HCA

HCA is a substance traditionally used in Indian and Thai cooking that comes from certain tropical plants. It is also used as a weight loss supplement, but its effectiveness has not been definitively proven. HCA may work by decreasing fat formation, decreasing appetite, or affecting blood sugar. Commonly reported side effects include headaches, stomach pain, and nausea.

 

What Is HCA?

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a substance found in tropical plants, such as Garcinia cambogia. It is traditionally used in Indian and Thai cooking. However, it is also commonly used in weight loss supplements.
 
(Click HCA Uses for more information.)
 

Which Products Contain HCA?

Currently, there are a large number of products that contain it. Many weight loss pills (such as CitraMax®) contain HCA, either alone or in combination with other ingredients. In order to find this ingredient on a product label, look for any of the following terms:
 
  • Brandal berry or brindle berry
  • Garcinia cambogia
  • HCA
  • Hydroxycitric acid or hydroxycitrate
  • Malabar tamarind.
     

How Does It Work?

There are several different theories about how it may work for weight loss. It may decrease the formation of fat in the body, decrease the appetite, or have effects on blood sugar or how the body handles carbohydrates. Most of the research in this area has used animals, not human subjects, and it is important to understand that HCA may not have the same effects in humans.
 

Is It Effective?

Some studies suggest that it may work for weight loss, and other studies that show that it is not effective at all. At this time, there is not enough evidence to know either way.
 
(Click Does HCA Work? for more information. You can also click How to Lose Weight for helpful suggestions for losing weight.)
 

Dosing Information

In studies, a few different ways to dose HCA for weight loss have been tried. However, the best dose that is both safe and effective is not known at this time.
 
(Click HCA Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of HCA

A few side effects have been reported, such as:
 
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Stomach or intestinal pain or discomfort.
     
(Click HCA Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

The substance may potentially interact with other medications or supplements, although little is known at this time (see HCA Drug Interactions).
 

Is It Safe?

HCA appears to be safe in many situations. However, some people may be more likely to experience problems when taking it. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking it if you have:
 
  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any other chronic disease or health problem.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click HCA Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose. If you think you may have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click HCA Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should HCA Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store it. Keep this substance and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;