Citrimax or hydroxycitric acid (HCA) has become a popular ingredient for weight-loss products. It is derived from the rind of Garcinia cambogia, a fruit from India that resembles a tiny pumpkin. Its makers tout it as a "carb blocker," meaning that it prevents carbohydrates from turning into fat. Citrimax is sold through diet, fitness and supplement websites, and at stores such as GNC, Wal-Mart and Costco.
History of HCA
Natives have used Garcinia for centuries as a flavor additive and food preservative. It has a reputation for aiding in digestion and making one feel satiated. In the 1970s, studies of HCA on mice showed that it caused them to eat less. Before enough data was collected on human subjects, many US manufacturers began to market and produce HCA for weight loss.
Other HCA Products
Today, HCA is the main ingredient in Citrimax, Super Citrimax, Hydroxycut, Citrin, and Super Garcinia. In 2009 the FDA warned consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products due to reports of several serious health problems including cardiovascular disorders, liver damage, and seizures; however, HCA was not identified as the cause.
Mixed Study Results
Studies on on animals showed that Citrimax blocked an enzyme called, ATP-Citrate Lyase, which led to a reduction in converting carbohydrates to fat. It also appeared to reduce appetite. However, double blind studies on humans showed no difference in results between subjects who took Citrimax and those who took a placebo, according to reports in the Journal of the American Medical Association (November 1998) and Physiology & Behavior (October 2000). A reformulated version of Citrimax called SuperCitrimax aided in weight loss, according to a 2004 study by Georgetown University Medical Center (see Resources).
Possible Aid in Exercise
Citrimax may help athletes prolong exercise, according to a study conducted by Maastricht University in 2001. One group of cyclists drank a liquid containing 18 grams of Citrimax; another group drank a placebo. The Citrimax group showed significantly lower lactic acid levels after exercise. Produced in muscles during exercise, lactic acid results in soreness and fatigue.
Creation of Citrimax and SuperCitrimax
InterHealth introduced Citrimax as a dietary supplement in 1991. At the time, the most popular diet ingredient was ephedra, which the FDA banned in 2004. Ephedra was known for causing high blood pressure, heart problems and jitters. Many drug manufacturers were looking for a safe alternative that didn't cause over-stimulation. Citrimax was marketed as a solution and began with some success. When consumers failed to achieve desired results, sales began to drop. After additional research (as the studies mentioned above), the company created SuperCitrimax in 1997.
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