Is HCA Safe for Pregnant Women?
Hydroxycitric acid (
HCA) is a non-prescription supplement that is commonly used in weight loss products. Very little information is available about the use of HCA during pregnancy. Therefore, women are typically advised to avoid HCA products while pregnant.
There is not enough information to determine if HCA is safe for use during pregnancy. It is thought that HCA in food (such as Indian and Thai food) probably does not pose any risk, but HCA supplements should be avoided by pregnant women. In addition, pregnancy is a time of increased caloric and nutritional need, not usually a time to be dieting or trying to lose weight.
If you are pregnant, do not take HCA without your healthcare provider's approval. If you are concerned about your weight gain during pregnancy, please talk with your healthcare provider
(see Pregnancy Weight Gain).
