Dietary Supplements For Weight Loss Research Articles

Use of Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss in the United States: Results of a National Survey

We examined dietary supplement use for weight loss and perceptions about safety, efficacy, and regulatory oversight of these products. A random digit-dialed telephone survey was conducted in 2005-2006, with a representative sample of 3,500 US adults. The survey assessed the beliefs and practices related to weight control. Outcome measures included the prevalence of dietary supplement use for weight reduction, demographic profile of supplement users, and knowledge about safety, efficacy, and regulation of dietary supplements. Of the adults who made a serious weight-loss attempt (n = 1,444), 33.9% reported ever using a dietary supplement for weight loss. Supplement use was more common among women (44.9%) vs. men (19.8%); those aged 25-34; African Americans (48.7%) or Hispanics (41.6%) vs. whites (31.2%); less educated (38.4% high school degree or less vs. 31.1% some college or more); lower income households (41.8% made <$40K vs. 30.3% made > or =$40K); obese (40.7%) vs. overweight (29.1%); those who made more lifetime weight-loss attempts (42.0% made > or =3 vs. 22.1% made <3); and those who used more weight-loss methods (48.2% used > or =4 vs. 25.2% used <4). Many users and non-users of dietary supplements had misperceptions about these products-many believed they are evaluated for safety and efficacy by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before marketing, and that dietary supplements are safer than over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. Use of dietary supplements for weight loss is common. More information about dietary supplements is necessary to correct misperceptions and encourage the use of safe and effective weight-loss methods.

HPLC Methods for Fucoxanthin Analysis in Dietary Supplements

Fucoxanthin (FX) is the second most prominent carotenoid in the earth's biomass. It is the primary carotenoid in some forms of brown algae. FX has been shown to reduce visceral adipose in mice and humans and is being incorporated into dietary supplements for weight loss. To examine the content of commercial FX products, we developed and validated Normal‐Phase and Reversed‐Phase HPLC methods to measure FX. Dietary supplements were purchased from local suppliers and over the internet. Samples were extracted into methanol prior to HPLC analysis. The NPLC was performed on a Diol column using a mobile phase of 6%IPA in hexane while monitoring 450nm. The RPLC was performed on a C30 column using a gradient of methanol, water, and ethyl acetate while monitoring 450nm. Samples tested contained various forms of seaweed or seaweed extracts. Products with stated FX content ranged from 250mcg to 5mg/unit. The products exhibit quite different carotenoid profiles and some do not meet label‐claims for FX. Due to current levels of obesity and increased use of thermogenic supplements, these methods will be useful to monitor the FX in current and future supplements.

Interaction of Chitosan, a Natural Polymer Used in Nanodrug/gene Delivery, with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Chitosan is one of the most important natural polymers used as a dietary weight-loss supplement in world, especially in Japan and china. The binding of bile acids to dietary fibers like chitosan in the small intestine has been proposed as a main mechanism for the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. In this article we suggest the possibility that chitosan at high dose reduces the gastrointestinal absorption of water-insoluble drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and piroxicam, but not water-soluble drugs, by diminishing the surfactant-like effect of bile acids. A beneficial effect of chitosan as a food supplement is the reduction of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides due to its ability to bind dietary lipids in the stomach before they are absorbed through the digestive system into the bloodstream and also interruption of the enterohepatic bile acid circulation that is base of interaction of this supplement with NSAIDs when use together. In the present study, we examined the effect of chitosan on the gastrointestinal absorption profiles of the water-insoluble drugs. This study provides an idea that chitosan can interfere with the intestinal absorption of NSAIDs via direct binding to NSAIDs or decreasing the dissolution of these drugs within GI lumen due to fecal excretion of bile acids.

Evaluation of Internet Websites Marketing Herbal Weight-Loss Supplements to Consumers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and quantity of drug information available to consumers on Internet websites marketing herbal weight-loss dietary supplements in the United States. We conducted an Internet search using the search engines Yahoo and Google and the keywords "herbal weight loss." Website content was evaluated for the presence of active/inactive ingredient names and strengths and other Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling requirements. Information related to drug safety for the most common herbal ingredients in the products evaluated was compared against standard herbal drug information references. Thirty-two (32) websites were evaluated for labeling requirements and safety information. All sites listed an FDA disclaimer statement and most sites (84.4%) listed active ingredients, although few listed strengths or inactive ingredients. Based on the drug information for the most common ingredients found in the weight-loss dietary supplements evaluated, potential contraindications for cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy/nursing, and high blood pressure were listed most frequently (73%, 65.5%, and 37%, respectively), whereas few websites listed potential drug interactions or adverse reactions. Potential hazards posed by dietary supplements may not be accurately, if at all, represented on Internet websites selling these products. Since consumers may not approach their physicians or pharmacists for information regarding use of dietary supplements in weight loss, it becomes necessary for health care providers to actively engage their patients in open discussion regarding the use, benefits, and hazards of dietary supplements.

The Effects of Some Over-The-Counter Dietary Weight Loss Supplements on Growth, Hepatic Glycogen Stores, Liver Lipid Profile, Pancreatic Protein and the Gastrointestinal Tract of Rats

The Effects of Some Over-The-Counter Dietary Weight Loss Supplements on Growth, Hepatic Glycogen Stores, Liver Lipid Profile, Pancreatic Protein and the Gastrointestinal Tract of Rats

A Case of Severe Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis Associated with a Weight-Loss Dietary Supplement

In response to questions about the safety of ephedra-based dietary products, ephedra-free products are now available. Many contain synephrine, a sympathomimetic amine with structural similarities to ephedra. We present a 22-year-old, previously healthy, African American male with sickle cell trait who developed rhabdomyolysis after ingestion of a synephrine-containing dietary supplement. The patient developed fatigue, dehydration, and myalgias while exercising. He developed severe rhabdomyolysis, with a peak creatine phosphokinase level of 2.8 million U/L, complicated by pulmonary edema, acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and bilateral compartment syndromes in his lower extremities. He required prolonged hospitalization for hemodialysis, multiple wound debridements, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and physical therapy. He has permanent sensory and motor neurological deficits in his distal lower extremities. Military physicians should routinely inquire about the use of dietary supplements, educate patients about the potential adverse reactions associated with these agents, and encourage healthy diets and exercise for weight loss.

Super CitriMax (HCA-SX) attenuates increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and body weight in developing obese Zucker rats

Super CitriMax (HCA-SX) is a novel calcium/potassium salt of (-)-hydroxycitric acid extracted from the dried fruit rind of the plant Garcinia cambogia, and commonly consumed as weight loss dietary supplement. In the present study, we investigated the effect of HCA-SX on inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance in developing obese Zucker rats, an animal model of type II diabetes associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Male Zucker rats (5-week old) were supplemented with vehicle (control) and HCA-SX in drinking water for 7 weeks. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (DNPH), and protein tyrosine nitration (tyr-NO(2)) were measured in the liver and kidney tissues using biochemical and immunoblotting techniques. Compared to controls, the levels of MDA, DNPH and tyr-NO(2) were lower in the liver and kidney of HCA-SX-treated animals. Furthermore, the levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, markers of inflammation measured by ELISA, were lower in the plasma of HCA-SX-supplemented animals compared to controls, as were levels of fasting plasma insulin, glucose, and triglycerides. Interestingly, insulin resistance did not develop in HCA-SX-supplemented rats. Food-intake and body weight gain was also lower in rats supplemented with HCA-SX compared to their control counterparts. These results suggest that HCA-SX supplementation in obese Zucker rats reduces food-intake, body weight gain, and also attenuates the increases in inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance observed in untreated animals. Therefore, HCA-SX may be used as an intervention to overcome obesity-related complications, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance.

Citrus aurantium extract has no effect on blood pressure or heart rate in healthy adults

BACKGROUND: Much has been written concerning the cardiovascular effects associated with weight loss dietary supplements containing bitter orange (Citrus aurantium, CA). Because CA is a botanical source of synephrine and octopamine, both adrenergic amines, some authors have suggested that dietary supplements containing CA may have similar cardiovascular risks associated with ephedra (a source of ephedrine and related sympathomimetics). PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of CA extract (Advantra-Z, containing 80mg/synephrine/day) versus placebo on cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure and heart rate). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We recruited 30 healthy normotensive adult nonsmokers to participate in a 6-week supplementation program. Subjects followed a moderate diet/exercise program and consumed CA or placebo with morning and evening meals. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in systolic or diastolic blood pressure (mm/Hg) or resting heart rate (beats/min) at any point during the 6-week supplementation period. Table 1. CONCLUSION: We found no indication that daily supplementation with Citrus aurantium extract for 6 weeks is associated with any cardiovascular risks in this group of healthy normotensive subjects.

Use of Complementary And Alternative Medicine for Weight Control in The United States

The purpose was to assess the prevalence and correlates of complementary and alternative medicine use for weight control. A list-assisted random-digit-dialed telephone survey of adults was conducted in the fall of 2002 (n = 11,211). The focus of the study was complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, other than dietary supplements, in the previous 12 months. The sample of respondents was drawn from the total noninstitutionalized U.S. adult population residing in telephone-equipped locations. The sampling procedures were designed to obtain adequate representation of Hispanic and non-Hispanic black respondents. Data from the total sample of 11,211 were weighted to achieve an estimate of the U.S. population. Analyses focused on 372 people who had used CAM within the previous 12 months. Of the total, 3.3% (n = 372) had used a CAM therapy in the previous 12 months. Higher adjusted odds ratios for CAM use were found among respondents who were exercising for weight control; using a lower carbohydrate, higher protein diet; using a nonprescription weight-loss product(s); overweight; physically active; and not satisfied with one's body (adjusted for age, race, gender, education, and city size). The most often used therapies were yoga (57.4%), meditation (8.2%), acupuncture (7.7%), massage (7.5%), and Eastern martial arts (5.9%). CAM users used CAM therapies on their own (62.6%), in a group setting (26.8%) or with a CAM practitioner (10.6%). The use of CAM therapies other than dietary supplements for weight loss was relatively low. The most popular therapy was yoga, and the majority of CAM users used CAM therapies on their own. Persons who had used other weight loss methods had greater odds for using CAM in the previous 12 months, suggesting that CAM use is often added to other weight-loss strategies.

Use of Nonprescription Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss Is Common among Americans

Objective Dietary supplements are not recommended as part of a weight-loss program due to concerns about efficacy and safety. This study sought to assess prevalence and duration of nonprescription weight-loss supplement use, associated weight-control behaviors, discussion of use with a health care professional, and specific ingredient use. Participants and Design Adults aged ≥18 years (n=9,403) completed a cross-sectional population-based telephone survey of health behaviors from September 2002 through December 2002. Statistical Analyses Performed Both χ 2 and t tests were conducted for categorical and mean comparisons and multiple variable logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors. Results An estimated 15.2% of adults (women 20.6%, men 9.7%) had ever used a weight-loss supplement and 8.7% had past year use (women 11.3%, men 6.0%); highest use was among women aged 18 to 34 years (16.7%). In regression models, use was equally prevalent among race/ethnic groups and education levels. One in 10 (10.2%) of users reported ≥12 month use, with less frequent long-term use in women (7.7%) than men (15.0%), P=0.01. Almost one third (30.2%) of users discussed use during the past year; 73.8% used a supplement containing a stimulant including ephedra, caffeine, and/or bitter orange. Conclusions Use of supplements for losing weight seems to be common among many segments of the US adult population. Many adults are long-term users and most do not discuss this practice with their physician. Most of the weight-loss supplements taken contain stimulants. Qualified professionals should inquire about use of supplements for weight loss to facilitate discussion about the lack of efficacy data, possible adverse effects, as well as to dispel misinformation that may interfere with sound weight-management practices.

Help Not Hype: Getting Real About Weight Loss

Obesity ManagementVol. 3, No. 1 Original PapersHelp Not Hype: Getting Real About Weight LossM.R.C. GreenwoodM.R.C. GreenwoodSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:5 Apr 2007https://doi.org/10.1089/obe.2007.0004AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byLifestyle and Weight Management Counseling in Uterine Cancer Survivors: A Study of the Uterine Cancer Action Network1 September 2015 | International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer, Vol. 25, No. 7Obesity management in gynecologic cancer survivors: provider practices and attitudesAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 208, No. 5Use of Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss in the United States: Results of a National Survey6 September 2012 | Obesity, Vol. 16, No. 4A Concept Analysis: Adherence and Weight LossNursing Forum, Vol. 43, No. 1 Volume 3Issue 1Feb 2007 InformationCopyright 2007, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:M.R.C. Greenwood.Help Not Hype: Getting Real About Weight Loss.Obesity Management.Feb 2007.11-21.http://doi.org/10.1089/obe.2007.0004Published in Volume: 3 Issue 1: April 5, 2007PDF download

Ischemic Colitis Associated With Use of a Bitter Orange-Containing Dietary Weight-Loss Supplement

Since the US Food and Drug Administration banned the use of dietary supplements containing ephedra in February 2004, numerous "ephedra-free" weight-loss products have appeared on the market. Many of these supplements contain compounds such as bitter orange that are similar in structure and action to ephedra. We describe a patient in whom ischemic colitis developed 1 week after initiation of a bitter orange-containing weight-loss supplement. The patient had no other predisposing factors, and discontinuation of the supplement led to immediate improvement and ultimate resolution of her symptoms. Both consumers and health care professionals should be aware of the potential harm that bitter orange-containing dietary supplements can cause and report such adverse events to the US Food and Drug Administration.

The effects of okara on rat growth, cecal fermentation, and serum lipids

Okara, a soymilk residue, was characterized and used as a supplement to enrich dietary fiber in rats. Okara comprised 49% total dietary fiber, of which only 0.55% was soluble, protein (33.4%), fat (19.8%), and ash (3.5%). Okara as a diet supplement had no influence on food intake, but the growth rate and feeding efficiency were lower in the okara-fed group than in the control group. Okara increased fecal weight and moisture. In okara-fed rats, in vivo colonic fermentation of okara resulted in a lower pH, but a higher cecal weight and higher total short chain fatty acid production, compared to controls. There were no significant differences (P≤0.05) between groups in albumin, protein, uric acid, bilirubin, or glucose content in rat serum. The okara-supplemented diet produced a nonsignificant reduction in HDL-lipids and triglycerides. Okara, a rich source of low-cost dietary fiber and protein, might be effective as a dietary weight-loss supplement with potential prebiotic effect.

Chitosan as a Dietary Supplement for Weight Loss: A Review

Obesity is a serious health problem not only in the United States but also throughout the world. It is generally recognized that complications of the overweight state and obesity are responsible for thousands of deaths each year, because excess fat accumulation is associated with heart disease, stroke, and diabetes that significantly reduce life expectancy. Many have come to realize that most individuals, especially when elderly, require aids to prevent or overcome obesity and maintain a reasonable body fat mass. A restricted caloric diet and regular exercise remain the cornerstones of prevention and therapy; however, the average overweight individual cannot sustain the necessary therapeutic disciplines and needs safe, complementary means to supplement diet and exercise. Up to this point, drugs are not the answer due to safety concerns, leading many to seek safer, natural alternatives. Recently, oral intake of chitosan, a soluble fiber with reputed special properties, has become one possible solution to the problem. This review examines chitosan as an aid in the battle against fat accumulation.

EFFECT OF A NOVEL HYDROXYCITRIC ACID EXTRACT (HCA‐SX) ON OXIDATIVE STRESS, INSULIN RESISTANCE AND BRAIN SEROTONIN LEVEL IN OBESE ZUCKER RATS

Super CitriMax (HCA-SX) is a novel calcium/potassium salt of (−)-hydroxycitric acid extracted from the dried fruit rind of the plant Garcinia cambogia, which is commonly consumed worldwide as a dietary weight loss supplement. Here we wanted to test whether or not HCA-SX reduces insulin resistance in Obese Zucker rats, an animal model of type II diabetes associated with increased oxidative stress. Also, we wanted to test in these animals whether HCA-SX modulates the levels of brain serotonin (5-HT), which is known to suppress appetite. Male Zucker rats (4–5 week old) were supplemented with vehicle (control) and HCA-SX (200 mg/kg/day in drinking water) separately for 6–7 weeks. Oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (DNPH) and protein tyrosine nitration (tyr-NO2) were measured in liver and kidney tissues using biochemical and immunoblotting techniques. The levels of MDA, DNPH and tyr-NO2 were decreased in liver and kidney in HCA-SX-supplemented compared to control rats. Further, HCA-SX supplementation lowered fasting plasma insulin by 25% and triglyceride levels by 17%. Also, insulin resistance decreased 16% in HCA-SX-supplemented rats. Moreover, the levels of 5-HT and norepinephrine increased in brain cortex of HCA-SX-treated compared to control rats. We conclude that HCA-SX may prove to be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress and insulin resistance, as well as 5-HT-mediated suppression of appetite in obesity.

Effects of N-nitrosofenfluramine, a component of Chinese dietary supplement for weight loss, on CD-1 mice

Many cases of hepatopathy including deaths have frequently occurred after ingestion of Chinese dietary supplements for weight loss containing N-nitrosofenfluramine (N-fen), a nitroso derivative of fenfluramine (Fen), which was used for the treatment of obesity in the United States. Since Fen decreases appetite by decreasing the serotonin level and exhibits an antibiotic effect, N-fen may have been added, expecting a similar effect. Thus, we synthesized N-fen and orally administered it to mice, and investigated its effect on the liver as well as on the cerebral serotonin nervous system to investigate whether N-fen exhibits an anorectic effect. Three doses of N-fen were orally administered once daily to mice for 1 week. No significant changes in body weight, food intake, and general condition were noted. The liver and kidney weights were significantly increased. On blood chemistry, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase activities were increased, and total bilirubin and albumin were slightly decreased. On histopathological examination, acidophilic changes and mild cellular swelling were noted in the liver. The liver drug-metabolizing enzyme (P-450) level was significantly higher. The effect of N-fen on the serotonin (5HT) nervous system was examined by quantitative autoradiography of the mouse brain, and it was found that N-fen did not decrease the 5HT nerve activity. Effects of reuptake and release of monoamine neurotransmitters [dopamine (DA), 5HT, and norepinephrine (NE)] were investigated. N-fen inhibited a little 5HT reuptake, and did not inhibit reuptakes of DA and NE. Moreover, N-fen did not affect release of the three monoamines. The above findings suggested that N-fen did not exhibit a serotonin nerve fiber-mediated anorectic effect in mice, but induced hepatopathy.

Effect of Chitosan on Gastrointestinal Absorption of Water-Insoluble Drugs Following Oral Administration in Rats

Chitosan is widely used as a dietary weight-loss supplement in Japan. In the present study, we examined the effect of chitosan on the gastrointestinal absorption profiles of the water-insoluble drugs, indomethacin and griseofulvin, and the water-soluble drugs, acetaminophen and cephalexin, after oral administration in rats. Rats received oral administration of chitosan (5 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg) dissolved in 5% acetic acid or vehicle 15 min before oral administration of each drug. Chitosan at a dose of 25 mg/kg, but not 5 mg/kg, significantly decreased the plasma concentrations of indomethacin and griseofulvin after administration as a suspension with a significant delay of the time to reach maximum concentration compared to the corresponding control values (vehicle-pretreated rats). However, pretreatment of chitosan (25 mg/kg) did not change the pharmacokinetics of indomethacin administered as a solution. Further, the same dose of chitosan had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen. The gastrointestinal absorption profile of an amino-beta-lactam antibiotic, cephalexin, which is actively absorbed via carrier-mediated transport system, was also unchanged. The present findings at least suggest the possibility that chitosan at high dose reduces the gastrointestinal absorption of water-insoluble drugs such as indomethacin and griseofulvin, but not water-soluble drugs, by diminishing the surfactant-like effect of bile acids.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Promotes Human Adipocyte Insulin Resistance through NFκB-dependent Cytokine Production

We previously demonstrated that trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced the triglyceride content of human adipocytes by activating mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase (MEK/ERK) signaling via interleukins (IL) 6 and 8. However, the upstream mechanism is unknown. Here we show that CLA increased (>or=6 h) the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in cultures containing both differentiated adipocytes and stromal vascular (SV) cells, non-differentiated SV cells, and adipose tissue explants. CLA isomer-specific induction of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was associated with the activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) as evidenced by 1) phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha, IkappaBalpha kinase, and NFkappaB p65, 2) IkappaBalpha degradation, and 3) nuclear translocation of NFkappaB. Pretreatment with selective NFkappaB inhibitors and the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 blocked CLA-mediated IL-6 gene expression. Trans-10, cis-12 CLA suppression of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake at 24 h was associated with decreased total and plasma membrane glucose transporter 4 proteins. Inhibition of NFkappaB activation or depletion of NFkappaB by RNA interference using small interfering NFkappaB p65 attenuated CLA suppression of glucose transporter 4 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma proteins and glucose uptake. Collectively, these data demonstrate for the first time that trans-10, cis-12 CLA promotes NFkappaB activation and subsequent induction of IL-6, which are at least in part responsible for trans-10, cis-12 CLA-mediated suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma target gene expression and insulin sensitivity in mature human adipocytes.

Hemodynamic effects of ephedra-free weight-loss supplements in humans

Purpose Ephedra-free weight loss dietary supplements containing bitter orange ( Citrus aurantium), a botanical source of the adrenergic amines synephrine and octopamine, have quickly emerged on consumer markets to replace banned ephedra products. These supplements may have some of the health risks associated with ephedra, but studies in humans are lacking. Our aim was to characterize the pharmacokinetics and cardiovascular effects of C. aurantium dietary supplements. Subjects and methods Ten healthy adult nonsmokers participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm crossover study. Single doses of C. aurantium (Advantra Z) containing 46.9 mg synephrine, Xenadrine EFX, a multi-component formulation containing 5.5 mg synephrine, and placebo were administered with a one-week washout. Results Compared with placebo, Xenadrine EFX but not Advantra Z increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure with peak changes from baseline at 2 hours of 9.6 ± 6.2 mm Hg systolic ( P = 0.047), and 9.1 ± 7.8 mm Hg diastolic ( P = 0.002). Heart rate was increased from baseline at 6 hours compared with placebo (16.7 beats per minute with Xenadrine EFX, P = 0.011; 11.4 beats per minute with Advantra Z, P = 0.031). Dose-adjusted synephrine pharmacokinetics were similar between treatments with t max = 90 min, t 1/2 = 3.0 hours, V/F = 16347 L, and CL/F = 88.9 L/min for Xenadrine EFX. Conclusion Ephedra-free weight loss supplements have significant cardiovascular stimulant actions, similar to ephedra. These effects are not likely caused by C. aurantium alone, because an eightfold higher dose of synephrine (Advantra Z) had no effect on blood pressure, but may be attributable to caffeine and other stimulants in the multi-component formulation

Bioefficacy of a novel calcium–potassium salt of (−)-hydroxycitric acid

Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain forms of cancer. Popular strategies on weight loss often fail to address many key factors such as fat mass, muscle density, bone density, water mass, their inter-relationships and impact on energy production, body composition, and overall health and well-being. (−)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a natural plant extract from the dried fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia, has been reported to promote body fat loss in humans without stimulating the central nervous system. The level of effectiveness of G. cambogia extract is typically attributed solely to HCA. However, other components by their presence or absence may significantly contribute to its therapeutic effectiveness. Typically, HCA used in dietary weight loss supplement is bound to calcium, which results in a poorly soluble (<50%) and less bioavailable form. Conversely, the structural characteristics of a novel Ca 2+/K + bound (−)-HCA salt (HCA-SX or Super CitriMax) make it completely water soluble as well as bioavailable. An efficacious dosage of HCA-SX (4500 mg/day t.i.d.) provides a good source of Ca 2+ (495 mg, 49.5% of RDI) and K + (720 mg, 15% of RDI). Ca 2+ ions are involved in weight management by increasing lipid metabolism, enhancing thermogenesis, and increasing bone density. K +, on the other hand, increases energy, reduces hypertension, increases muscle strength and regulates arrhythmias. Both Ca and K act as buffers in pH homeostasis. HCA-SX has been shown to increase serotonin availability, reduce appetite, increase fat oxidation, improve blood lipid levels, reduce body weight, and modulate a number of obesity regulatory genes without affecting the mitochondrial and nuclear proteins required for normal biochemical and physiological functions.