Supplementing with Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) a phytonutrient which is extracted from the South Asian Fruit Garcinia Cambogia,, has been shown to reduce BMI (Body Mass Index), improve cholesterol and increase fat burning.
In a pilot study, which was an initial phase of a larger 90 patient study, participants were divided into 3 groups of 30 individuals per group. Group A received a Garcinia Cambogia supplement, Group B received the Garcinia Cambogia supplement plus a niacin-bound form of Chromium and a Gymnema Sylvestre extract, and Group C received a placebo. The supplements were given daily before meals. All participants were placed on a 2000 calorie per day diet and were required to participate in a 30 minute supervised walking program 5 days per week. The study lasted 8 weeks.
Participants in Group A, the Garcinia Cambogia group, saw a decrease in over 12 pounds (6.2%) and saw a 6.3% decrease in BMI. Group B participants, the Garcinia Cambogia, Chromium, and Gymnema Sylvestre group saw even higher losses which included a 15 pound weight loss (7.8%) and a 7.9% decrease in BMI. Group C, the placebo group, saw a reduction of 3 pounds (1.6%) and a 1.7% reduction in BMI.
A significant oxidation (fat burning) which is measured by urinary excretion of fat metabolites was seen in both Group A (25-158%) and Group B (46-181%). No significant changes in urinary fat metabolites were seen in the placebo group. Additionally researches found an increase between 40 – 50% in serum serotonin levels in Group A and Group B. Serum serotonin levels are a mechanism of appetite control. Serum leptin levels, which are a biomarker of the obesity regulatory gene, decreased about 40% for both Group A and Group B. Group C saw an increase of .3% in their serum leptin level.
Further studies are called for.
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