04/10/2013
I was asked if Garcinia cambogia was good or bad, I'm assuming for weight loss (as seen on Dr. Oz...ugh) and instead of my pat answer which would have been nothing will overcome the basic science of calories in and calories out (quality over quantity), I thought I'd do some research and found this great review of the latest studies available:
http://bucatiniforever.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/concetti-base-nutrizione-e-sport.pdf
"HCA (Garcinia cambogia) is a nutrient that has been hypothesized to increase fat oxidation by inhibiting citrate lyase and lipogenesis. Theoretically, this may lead to greater fat burning and weight loss over time. Although there is some evidence that HCA may increase
fat metabolism in animal studies, there is little to no evidence showing that HCA supplementation affects body composition in humans. For example, Ishihara et al. reported that HCA supplementation spared carbohydrate utilization and promoted
lipid oxidation during exercise in mice. However, Kriketos and associates reported that HCA supplementation (3 g/d for 3 days) did not affect resting or post-exercise energy expenditure or markers of lipolysis in healthy men. Likewise, Heymsfield
and coworkers reported that HCA supplementation (1.5 g/d for 12 weeks) while maintaining a low-fat, high-fiber diet did not promote greater weight or fat loss than subjects on placebo. Finally, Mattes and colleagues reported that HCA supplementation
(2.4 g/d for 12 weeks) did not affect appetite, energy intake, or weight loss. These findings suggest that HCA supplementation does not appear to promote fat loss in humans."
