Monday, October 18, 2010

What Is Hydroxycitrate Complex

Hydroxycitrate complex is a new development in weight loss. Plant derived, hydroxycitrate complex inhibits the body from converting carbohydrates into fat and curbs appetite.


Hydroxycitrite Origin


Hydroxycitrate (HDC) is derived from the Malabar tamarind plant. Hydroxycitrate is the main active ingredient in weight loss supplements like Hydroxycut, Citrimax, Citrin and others. Research from Georgetown University Medical Center has found that HDC lowers body fat percentage, helps curb appetite, and prevents the conversion of carbohydrates to fat.


Dosage








Hydroxycitrate complex is considered safe in the dosages recommended. Dosage, since hydroxycitrate is not found in pure form depends on scientific recommendations and pill bottle instructions. Current recommendations indicate that the standard dosage ranges from 1200 to1500 mg of HDC a day. Dosage also depends on the severity of weight issues--a person 10 to 20 lbs. overweight will not require as much of a dosage as someone battling with obesity.








Effectiveness


Hydroxycitrate complex is proven to curb appetite, lower body fat, and prevent carbohydrate to fat conversion; however, the effectiveness outside of studies has been questioned. Laboratory mice have experienced dramatic weight loss results, but the dosage given to mice is 20 to 30 times higher then the dosage found in the weight loss supplements. As of yet, such high dosages have yet to be proven safe for human consumption. HDC is considered more of a boost to a healthy diet and exercise plan. HDC is not a miracle worker; research leans to its overall effectiveness, but its effectiveness is still under debate. With more research and if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves higher dosage, HDC may become more of the miracle drug than people hope. Right now, it is a promising and mildly effective new supplement in the battle against the bulge.


Side Effects


Whenever taking a drug or supplement, the side effects are almost as important to understand as the results of the substance. In laboratory test results, hydroxycitrate is proven to be no more harmful then citric acid (lemons). There have been no discovered side effects as noted by Anthony Conte MD in his published "The Bariatrician."


FDA Recall


Hydroxycitrate is still considered safe and side effect-free. However, Hydroxycut, one of the most popular weight loss supplements is under massive FDA recall. Fourteen Hydroxycut products, made by Iovate Health, are being recalled and taken off the market. Liver injury has been reported, and one death has been linked to Hydroxycut. Some consumers experienced yellowing of the skin, brown urine, stomach pain, nausea and discoloration of stools. The recall is limited only to Hydroxycut; other products that contain hydroxycitrate are still considered safe to use by the FDA.

Tags: weight loss, considered safe, loss supplements, weight loss supplements, curb appetite, Hydroxycitrate complex