Update 1/2/20. Does Garcinia cambogia work? Well, if you saw the Dr. Oz show, you heard him say “it may be the simple solution you've been looking for to bust your body fat good.” He's also said Garcinia Cambogia was a “revolutionary fat buster” ―that requires no exercise, no diet, and, no effort. Those are very impressive words. But, does it have any side effects? It just might. I've been aware of this fruit and its alleged weight-loss benefits for many years but in case you have not, I wanted to review Garcinia Cambogia because there really is published research on this fruit. See the Supplements and Liver Failure Review too.
What Is Garcinia Cambogia?
Garcinia is a pumpkin-shaped fruit that grows in various regions of the world such as India, Asia, and Africa. Its scientific name is Garcinia gummi-guta although some may know it by its other more familiar name, Hydroxy Citric Acid (or HCA). Hydroxy citric acid is an ingredient in Garcinia Cambogia, found usually in the skin (rind) and fruit that is often said to be the active ingredient when it comes to weight loss.
What Does Garcinia Cambogia Do?
The main reason people take garcinia Cambogia is for weight loss. See the weight loss research below for more insights.
How Does Garcinia Cambogia Work?
The most popular theory is that the HCA compound in the fruit is said to work by blocking the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. By doing this, fat storage is reduced.
Others speculate that Garcinia can help weight loss is by decreasing appetite. This effect may be related to reports that it can increase serotonin, a chemical involved in reducing appetite. During the Dr. Oz segment, this was brought up as a potential benefit to “emotional eaters.” It could be that Garcinia works in all these ways and in other ways also.
Garcinia cambogia has been an ingredient in several products I've already reviewed including:
Read those reviews for additional information.
How To Recognize This Ingredient
In Supplements, Garcinia may be labeled as
- Garcinia cambogia
- Garcinia extract
- HCA extract
- “GCE”
- Tamarind
All these names mean the same thing.
Garcinia Cambogia Research
Let's look at the weight loss research on garcinia Cambogia. To keep things simple, let's focus mostly on human research.
Study. Oral hydroxycitrate supplementation enhances glycogen synthesis in exercised human skeletal muscle Here, 38 young men were given 500 mg of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) or a placebo along with with a high carbohydrate meal after exercise (60 minutes of cycling at 75% of maximum aerobic ability). Biopsies of the thigh muscle were taken immediately after exercise and 3 hours later.
Results. Men who received 500 mg of HCA had significantly lower levels of insulin. HCA also increased the formation of glycogen, the storage form of carbohydrates in the muscles.
Note. This study plus the 2007 rat study below, appear to lend believability to claims that Garcinia cambogia helps insulin resistance, and hence type II diabetes. This may be one of the reasons why Garcinia cambogia might be found in diabetes supplements such as Diab-X which I reviewed previously.
Study. Does Glycine max leaves or Garcinia Cambogia promote weight-loss or lower plasma cholesterol in overweight individuals: a randomized control trial . The study lasted 10 weeks and involved 68 overweight men and women who were broken into groups:
- Placebo
- Garcinia cambogia extract (2 grams per day)
- Glycine max leaf extract (soybean) 2 grams per day
Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in body weight or cholesterol levels.
Study. Super CitriMax (HCA-SX) attenuates increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and body weight in developing obese Zucker rats. As can be seen in the title, this was a rat study.
Results: Rats with type II diabetes that were given the HCA extract had reduced levels of C reactive protein (a sign of inflammation), glucose, insulin, and triglycerides. The rats also ate less food and had reduced body weight compared to rats getting the placebo.
Study. Reduction of adipose tissue and body weight: effect of water-soluble calcium hydroxycitrate in Garcinia atroviridis on the short term treatment of obese women in Thailand. This study involved 50 obese women (18-75 years of age) who were randomly split into 2 groups:
- Garcinia group
- Placebo group
Those getting Garcinia received 1.15 grams before meals, three times per day (3.45 grams total per day). All women were put on a 1000 calorie per day diet and tracked for 2 months.
Results: Women getting Garcinia atroviridis lost significantly more weight (6.1 lbs) than women who received the placebo (3 lbs).
Note. this study used Garcinia atroviridis which is a species related to Garcinia Cambogia.
Study. An overview of the safety and efficacy of a novel, natural(-)-hydroxycitric acid extract (HCA-SX) for weight management. This study involved both rats and humans. Let's just look at the human part of the study. This was an 8-week study that involved 60 people.
The people were given 2000 calories per day, walked 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week and were randomly given either a placebo or 4666.7 mg (about 4.7 grams ) of a supplement called Super CitriMax.
Results: At the end of the study, these results were observed in those who took Super CitriMax:
- 5.4% reduction in body weight
- 5.2% reduction in body mass index (BMI)
- Significantly decreased food intake
- Significantly decreased total cholesterol
- Significantly decreased LDL (bad cholesterol)
- Significantly increased HDL (good cholesterol)
- Significantly decreased triglycerides
- Significantly decreased leptin levels
- Significantly increased serotonin levels
Note. Leptin is a hormone made inside fat cells. Leptin plays a role in hunger.
Study. Effects of Garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) on Visceral Fat Accumulation: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. 39 overweight people (20-65 years of age) were given either a placebo or Garcinia cambogia for 12 weeks, along with a reduced-calorie diet (The men ate 2250 calories per day.
Women consumed 1800 calories per day). Those in the Garcinia group received a supplement that contained 1667 mg of Garcinia cambogia extract. This supplement contained 1000 mg of hydroxycitric acid (HCA is thought to be the active ingredient in Garcinia cambogia).
Results: Those taking the Garcinia extract lost significantly more abdominal fat and had more total fat loss, compared to those who received the placebo.
Study. The effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate on energy intake and satiety in overweight humans. This study lasted 2 weeks and involved 24 overweight people (12 men and 12 women). People were randomly split into groups that either received 900 mg of HCA or a placebo.The supplement containing the HCA was called Super CitraMax.
Results. Those who took HCA consumed fewer calories compared to those who received the placebo. This was deemed primarily to decreased snacking. No significant difference in body weight was seen.
Study. The effects of 2-week ingestion of (–)-hydroxycitrate and (–)-hydroxycitrate combined with medium-chain triglycerides on satiety, fat oxidation, energy expenditure and body weight. This investigation consisted of 11 overweight men and lasted 2 weeks. In the study, men consumed 3 meals and 4 same-calorie snacks a day. The men were randomly given:
- A placebo
- 500 mg HCA
- 500 mg HCA plus 3 grams of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)
Results: everybody lost weigh (placebo too) but there were no significant differences between those getting the placebo and those getting HCA or HCA + medium-chain triglycerides.
Study . Effects of (-)-hydroxycitric acid on appetitive variables published the journal, Physiology, and Behavior. 89 overweight women were put on a low-calorie diet and randomly given either a placebo or 2.4 grams of Garcinia cambogia per day (this equaled 1.2 grams of HCA). The length of the study was 12 weeks (3 months).
Results. Those taking HCA supplements lost more weight (8 lbs) than those taking the placebo (5 lbs).
Study. titled (-)-Hydroxycitric acid does not affect energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in adult males in a post-absorptive state This study involved 10 overweight men who were given either a placebo or HCA (3 grams per day). The study lasted 3 days.
Results. No change in metabolic rate or fat burning.
Study. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial . This study lasted 12 weeks and involved 135 obese men and women who were given either hydroxycitric acid (1500 mg per day) or a placebo, along with a high fiber, low-calorie diet (84 people completed the study).
Results. Both groups lost weight, (the placebo group lost a little more weight) but there were no significant differences in the weight loss between groups. So, according to this study, Garcinia cambogia did not work better than a placebo.
Summary Of Garcinia Research
Here's a quick breakdown of the studies summarized above:
- 2011 study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 2 grams per day used.
- 2007 study: Rat study. Garcinia worked.
- 2007 study: Human study. Garcinia worked. 3.45 grams per day used.
- 2004 study: Human /rat study. Garcinia worked. 4.7 grams per day used.
- 2003 study. Human study. Garcinia worked. 1667 mg per day/1000 mg HCA used.
- 2002 study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 900 mg HCA per day used.
- 2001 study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 500 mg HCA used.
- 2000 study: Human study. Garcinia worked. 2.4 g / 1.2 grams HCA used.
- 1999 study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 3 grams of HCA per day used.
- 1998 Study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 1500 mg of HCA per day used.
From this research, it appears 5 investigations noted Garcinia cambogia helped people lose weight. But, Just as many studies showed it didn't work. Those studies showing it worked also used a lower-calorie diet. In other words, you have to eat less. You can't just pop a pill.
Garcinia Cambogia And Cortisol
During the Dr. Oz show about garcinia, Dr. Julie Chen, who was featured in the segment, mentioned that garcinia helps to manage the stress hormone cortisol” which might help decrease belly fat. I searched the national library of medicine for
- Garcinia Cambogia cortisol
- HCA Cortisol
- hydroxy citric acid cortisol
I was not able to find any human studies showing changes in cortisol. In fact, in this 2008 study of a supplement containing HCA and L carnitine, no change in cortisol was seen.
Garcinia Cambogia Side Effects
For most people, the supplement is probably safe although in some people it may not be (see the liver failure section below.
Most studies don't last long. This makes it difficult to determine the side effects. The most common side effects reported include:
- Headache
- GI problems
- Feelings of being nauseous
Here are some general thoughts. this list is not complete:
- Stop taking garcinia at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- Don't take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone under age 18
- Those taking diabetes medications like metformin, insulin, etc
- Speak to your doctor/pharmacist /dietitian if you take ANY prescription medications
- To reduce side effects, start with less than the recommended amount for the first week
People who take antidepressant medications should speak to their doctor before taking garcinia. There is some evidence that when combined with antidepressant medications (such as SSRIs), garcinia may make serotonin levels go too high. This is called serotonin syndrome can result in dangerously high blood pressure.
In a review of the safety, the author noted that most human studies involved small groups of people that were carried out over short periods of time.
Checking Amazon, those who rated it as 1 star, said supplements caused rapid heart rate, gas/bloating, lack of energy and headaches. Those people also said Garcinia did not help them lose weight.
Some lab rat research suggests the HCA in Garcinia Cambogia might be toxic to the testis. Not all researchers agree with this. To be safe, men should discuss this with their urologist for more up to date information.
And then there is the liver failure controversy. Let's take a closer look at that next.
Garcinia Cambogia And Liver Failure
For several years, there have been reports of hepatitis, liver toxicity and liver failure resulting from Garcinia cambogia supplements. Most of these reports stem from the use of a Garcinia-containing supplement called Hydroxycut.
Since Hydroxycut contained many ingredients, this makes it difficult to know which ingredient was responsible. That said, there is at least on report of a 34-year-old male who needed a liver transplant. He admitted to taking two 80mg capsules of “Swanson Premium Brand Garcinia Cambogia 5:1 Extract.” This supplement ONLY contained garcinia Cambogia.
For those doing their own research, here are some of case reports and review articles I found:
- Hepatotoxicity associated with Garcinia cambogia: A case report
- Hepatotoxicity Associated with Use of the Weight Loss Supplement Garcinia cambogia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
- Acute Hepatitis due to Garcinia Cambogia Extract, an Herbal Weight Loss Supplement.
- Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity
- Hydroxycut(®) (herbal weight loss supplement) induced hepatotoxicity: a case report and review of literature
- Hepatotoxicity due to hydroxycut: a case series
- Hepatoxicity associated with weight-loss supplements: A case for better post-marketing surveillance
- Severe hepatotoxicity due to Hydroxycut: a case report
- Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity: A case series and review of liver toxicity from herbal weight loss supplements
- Fatal liver failure following food supplements during chronic treatment with montelukast.
- Two patients with acute liver injury associated with use of the herbal weight-loss supplement Hydroxycut
Many other supplements are linked to liver failure too.
See the Supplements & Liver Failure review for more information
Garcinia Cambogia And Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition that results in your muscles dying. Kidney failure is one of the most serious side effects of this disorder, which is abbreviated as “Rhabdo.”
Back in 2004, there was a case report of a 54-year-old woman who got rhabdo after taking a supplement that contained garcinia Cambogia as wel as well as many other ingredients- including ephedra. Stimulants have been known to cause rhabdomyolysis. Other than this report, I'm not aware of any cases of garcinia cambogia causing rhabdo.
Regardless, if you think you have rhabdo, my best advice is to go to your doctor – or hospital. A simple blood test can tell if you have it or not. Rhabdo is VERY serious condition that can result in kidney failure. Do not take this lightly.
Here's my book on rhabdomyolysis
How Much Works?
On the Dr. Oz segment on Garcinia cambogia, you may have heard that they recommended 1500-3000 mg (1.5 grams to 3 grams) per day, that contained at least 50% of hydroxycitric acid (HCA).
Notice from the review of the research above that as much as 3.45 grams of Garcinia have been used with positive results. I mention this for those in which 3 grams did not work.
- I see no proof that more than 3.45 grams of Garcinia cambogia is needed.
- Garcinia cambogia should be taken on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before meals.
- Many Garcinia cambogia supplements also contain calcium or potassium. This is to increase the absorption.
It's likely that they will see Garcinia cambogia supplements that also contain other ingredients, like,
Or whatever else is the “hot, sexy” supplement of the month.
See the list of weight loss scams
Dr. Oz And Garcinia Cambogia
It's likely that many people first heard of Garcinia cambogia extract when it was featured on the Dr. Oz show. While I do agree that Garcinia is one of the least expensive weight loss supplements, I was disappointed that there was no mention of the potential for liver toxicity. I did like it when Dr. Oz stated “You should never see my picture next to it (Garcinia cambogia). “If you see my picture next to it, that means they're stealing from you.”
Dr. Oz knows that as soon as he mentions a supplement, people will try to use his picture and fame to promote their product. Dr. Oz does not sell any supplements and he does not endorse any particular brand of Garcinia supplement.
Does Garcinia Cambogia Work?
Despite the hype, I'm not convinced. I see just as many studies showing it works as doesn't work. But, more troubling is the potential for liver failure.
Dear Joe, Thanks for that information! I never thought of googling supplements that way. This last month my kidney functions tests were abnormal, indicating a 25% decrease in function! I had two lab tests, both showing the same results.
I had started taking 4 new supplements-I know you recommend NOT doing that, but instead started with one at a time at low doses before starting another one. Your info about googling that way may help me when I look at ALL the individual ingredients in these 4 new supplements!!!
I will see a renal specialist next Monday. The funny thing is that I brought these 4 supplements to my new primary doctor, who is young (I thought maybe being pretty fresh out of her residency and getting Board certified, she would be more open to supplements and vitamins). NOT!!! When will med schools start teaching about NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS AND NATURAL HEALTH???
Hey Roseann, Your guess is as good as mine about med school. I think they toss so much at doctors that supplements are an afterthought. Why dont you get off of those 4 new supplements now and then on Monday when you see the kidney doctor, get the tests done again. Also bring those supplements with you so she/he can see them. They might have some insights for you. Let me know what happens on Monday.
Roseann and Joe
I am an ex-pharmaceutical rep., and part of my job was calling on med-schools. When asking interns, and residents about how they felt about a patient combining supplements with certain meds, they all would say the same thing. “Can’t hurt, only a vitamin”. This is their mind set since there isn’t any formal training on the subject. It’s obvious, this needs to change.
Hi Pete, wow that’s crazy and thanks for sharing that! I like to think things are changing but when I hear of surveys where most docs didn’t know how many calories were in fat, protein and carbs (I forget where I saw it), I just don’t know.
Thank you for all your research. I am in a monitoring program and googled drug testing and Garcinia Cambogia and was unable to find any information. Do you have any ideas where I could find this information?
Lisa
Hi Lisa, I did a quick online search for you and found this
http://www.rxlist.com/garcinia-page3/supplements.htm
honestly, I not aware of much in the way of garcinia – drug interactions. Another idea is to speak to your local pharmacist. They might be able to shed further light on this.
If you find anything more on this, do let me know so I can update my review.
Dear Joe and Lisa, I find ALOT of good information on drug interactions on WebMD. I didn’t look up Garcinia myself, because I don’t take it since I have high blood pressure, but I’ve looked up many herbs on WebMD and found great information.
Hi Roseann, you are very right about Webmd. Its a great website. I did check it for garcinia/drug interactions but didn’t see much and thats why I didn’t list it. If you google (or bing, yahoo etc’) “Garcinia cambogia webmd” you should see all the pages of the stite where they mention it.
Dear Cathy and Joe,
I’m responding to the “smoke” issue after taking GC. I’m not on GC, but I do take a powdered “laxative” supplement with herbs. I don’t know if I can tell the name (I don’t sell it and I don’t own stock in it)-Dr. Schulze’s Formula 1.
I take 3 capsules at the same time. Sometimes if I don’t drink enough water with it, or if it kind of sticks down my throat, the same thing happens.
The smoke is the herbal powder from inside the capsule. Maybe the capsule disintegrates quickly or it’s slightly open, but, yes, I burp out what does look like smoke. And the herbs taste GHASTLY!!!
I just drink more water with the capsules, so it rarely happens anymore.
Thanks Roseann!! 🙂
Hi, Joe!
I took some of the plain Garcinia Cambogia I bought at a major chain discount store, 2 capsules, and a few minutes later, I burped smoke! It actually smelled like a chemical fire of some kind. I had not drunk a full glass of water with the pills, so I chugged a full bottle right away – hopefully it put the fire out!
I did find a comment online about someone else having the same thing happen, but could find nothing about what may be going on here. Do you have any insight or information about this phenomenon?
Hi Cathy and wow – I have never heard of people burping smoke! While I cant know for sure, my guess is that it wasn’t smoke but residual garcinia cambogia powder in your throat from the capsule after it dissolved. you said you didn’t drink a lot of water so that kind of makes sense. I dont know about the “chemical fire” smell you said you also experienced. Maybe you should take it back to where you bought it from and try another brand?
Joe,
Thank you so much for your swift response! It is weird. I took apart one of the capsules to see if it smelled the same, and it didn’t, so I don’t think it was just the residual powder. I’m wondering if there’s a chemical reaction going on there. If anyone else has any insight on this, I’d love to hear it.
BTW – I feel fine – no residual side effects as far as I can tell.
Hi Cathy, glad you are feeling fine. That IS weird that you dont smell the same thing when you cracked open the capsule. Anyone else have a similar thing happen to them?
I have the same situation like Cathy. I burped smoke after taking 1 capsule with water.
Hi Jahly, My guess is the smoke was the powder in the capsule. What brand of garcinia cambogia did you take? I’m wondering if you and Cathy were taking the same brand? Maybe if we know that we can get to the bottom of it. How soon after you took the capsule did you burp up smoke?
I developed severe leg and body cramps from taking this (super charlie horses even in my back) It was so awful you could see the contortion of my muscles as the cramp happened. My neighbor was there and saw this… I will never take again .. somewhere I read that a small percentage of people with high blood pressure experience this phenomenon.
I live in Nigeria can I order this direct from the USA, can you give me a link because of scam.
Hi Esther, just go to Amazon and find a product that has a lot of reviews. Don’t just look at the 5 star reviews. look at the 2 and 3 star comments too. that can help you get a better picture of legitimate products. That said I still feel weight loss supplements that are fiber have stronger evidence. Take a look at glucomannan (also called konjac root).
I wanna know does HCA have any side effects on fertility?
Hi Esther, not that I am aware of. Have you spoken about this to a gynecologist or pharmacist?
I was wondering if there is a difference between Super CitriMax Garcinia Cambogia Extract and Garcinia Cambogia Extraxt. I’m wondering because I found a site that sells Garcinia Cambogia and they say their pills have Super CitriMax Extract.
HI Heather, Super CitriMax is a proprietary brand of garcinia cambogia. It has some weight loss studies on it which I outlined in this review. Just saying “garcinia cambogia extract” may not be the same thing. it would depend on what “extract” is referred to.
Super CitraMax may be found in garcina cambogia supplements alongside other ingredients or it can be obtained by itself
Here are all the Super CitraMax product on Amazon Notice how some products combine it with other ingredients while in other products, its just Super CitraMax alone. If it is going to work, I dont think anything else should be needed. That’s good because those products should cost less.
I have been doing a lot of research into this and still have not come to a conclusion of which product to buy. I have read that calcium does not work well with Garcinia Cambogia and then I’ve read it does combine well. Do you know??
Also I did read in you article about how super CitriMax is the only extract that has been used in trials so the bottles that say on them Garcinia Cambogia extract but not not specify what extract what does that mean? I guess at this point I’m still really no closer to deciding? Maybe the answers to the questions I just asked will help me have a better understanding.
Hi Heather, when I look at the research on supplements for weight loss, yes there is some on garcinia but there is more overall for those that are basicaly fiber. These tend to be less expensive too.Not sure if you saw it but here is my my review of stuff that has evidence
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
yes garcinia is on that list but there are several others that I feel are more effective. If you are going to try garcinia, dont worry about the calcium issue. I’ve never seen anything on this so I wouldn’t pay it any mind.
Ok thank you very much
I took less than advised and I’m sitting here with a horrible headache and my blood pressure is up. I was hoping I could figure out why. 🙂 My guess is this isn’t going to work for me! (I take no other meds, so can’t even blame a drug interaction.)
Wendy, does the supplement you took only contain garcinia cambogia or does it have other ingredients too? I hope you are feeling better now
Joe,
I accidently stumbled upon your site, and I’m so glad I did! I appreciate you doing all try dirty work for your readers. I always wanted to know what scientific research was done for GC but after reading an endless number of mixed reviews I always opted to do it later. Thank you for being my later. Keep up the good work ??.
Akeyshia-Renee’ you are very welcome and I thank you for your kind words. Please share my site with your friends and have fun traveling 🙂
im anxious to try this but i haven’t recived it it said it was going to be delivered on this Wednesday but it hasn’t got here and wird i didn’t go a tracking number or an email confirmation of the resied. im over 280 ponds and i was hoping that this could work of me but i dont now for how long more i have to wait. 🙁
Eli, really sorry that has happened to you. If you know the name of the company you bought it from, try calling them. If you bought the product with a credit card, your credit card company may be able to help you get your money back if it does not arrive.
I don’t know if garcinia cambogia is going to work or not. I hope it does. that said, here is a list of products that I feel have the most evidence http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I do wish you luck.
Thanks I’ll get in contact with my bank to see what else i can do.
Can’t find anywhere that explains _why_ you shouldn’t take this with Diabetes meds. I don’t trust our doctor to give an unbiased view since the decisions they make are based on biased data. I.e. they only recommend medications from companies that have contracts with the government.
Since this is a health supplement there is no way they would recommend it even it it did work.
Aaron, Here is a webMD article on garcinia that discusses the diabetes connection
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/garcinia-cambogia-weight-loss
Thanks Joe, tried the link but it just hangs. Checked http://www.webMD.com and that said the main website is working, so it’s just something about that link. Is there another way to navigate to it?
Hi Aaron, I just cheked the link and it’s working fine. Here it is again
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/garcinia-cambogia-weight-loss
I love your website 🙂 As many others indicated I feel that I can trust the information here since you are just trying to inform us. Thank you, thank you, thank you….
I have a question, I am not sure if you have shared it already, I might have missed it. What particular brand of Garcinia Cambocia do you recommend? I will take it with Tonalin CLA.
I run three times a week but that seems to increase my calve size 🙁 I have huge calves! I generally eat very healthy and need to lose fat from my buttocks, thighs and calves.
So I hope that these two product will help me, I will post the results here but I still wanted to hear your idea about what to do to specifically target that area and the brand that you would recommend for Gracinia Cambogia.
Thank you once again 🙂
Ebru, Glad you are enjoying my website! Do you need garcinia cambogia if Tonalin CLA is already working for you? Just wondering. As for what types of garcinia cambogia I recommend, I try not to recommend specific brands. I do know that when Consumerlab looked at this supplement they found a lot of brands had less garcinia then their labels said. I remember, they did “approve” the vitamin shoppe brand
Vitamin Shoppe garcinia cambogia among others. Personally, I’d first see how the Tonalin CLA is working before adding in anything else. You should know in a month if the Tonalin is working.
As for your calves, I know people who would kill to have bigger calves.
LOL! Personally, Since I am a female I would like longer and leaner muscle in my calves and I tried all those “skinny calves” exercises and they keep getting bulkier and bulkier. I don’t want to stop exercising but I don’t want even bigger calves, either. I guess that’s just how my body is.
I started to take the Tonalin CLA yesterday, and they make me go to the bathroom a lot. That may mean that they work.
I will follow your recommendation. I really appreciate your help, thank you!
PS: It is very nice of you that you reply quickly. Unlike other websites where you ask a question and never get an answer.
Ebru, I hope the CLA works, do keep me posted. my guess is the going to the bathroom a lot is a sign that you are breaking down carbs – glcogen – stored in your muscles. there is a lot of water stored alongside those carbs. Usually after you stop going to the bathroom so much, that is when the body starts burning more fat. I’m pretty good at answering comments 🙂
My husband bought me a bottle of this to try. I took it once and felt really nauseous, dizzy, and weird. But I thought maybe it was coincidence. I didn’t take it again for a few days, during which time I read that it can affect blood sugar.
So I decided to do my own experiment by taking my 2 hr after lunch blood sugar reading, taking them GC as it said on the bottle, then I’d take my sugar again after an hour.
Well, about 15 minutes after taking it I suddenly felt all the same symptoms: dizzy, nauseous, kind of sick. So I took my blood sugar and it had dropped 20 points in that 15 minutes! Don’t know if it does this to others but I decided I can’t take this stuff. To me, that was a dangerously suddenly drop. I thought I was going to pass out.
Anna, thanks for sharing. Do you remember what brand you used? Does the label say it only contains garcinia cambogia? Sometimes supplements may contain other ingredients so that’s why I ask.
I hope you are feeling better now…
Hi Joe
I’m 69yrs of age, and just seem to want to eat, and putting on weight, I do walk a bit
I was wondering if I can take the Garcinia Cambigoa tablets
Please be so kind as to let me know, I would appreciate it.
thank you
claudette
Claudette, I recommend you ask your pharmacist or doctor about if you can take garcinia cambogia. It might interact with some medications and so they would be the best people to let you know if its OK or not. More than that, also tell your doctor that all you want to do is eat. Let’s try to find out why this is so first. For example, sometimes eating can be a sign of depression. Id rather we found out why you are eating, and try to address that, rather than try something that might only be a band-aid.
Hi Joe,
I’m really glad I found your site. I have been googling garcinia for a while now and been finding a lot of scam site marketing the product, although to be honest I first saw it through a scam website. I should state that I don’t live in the US I’m from the Caribbean. So me ordering a garcinia product from the United States is a bit different for me.
It’s been a week so far since I’ve been using my garcinia pills since I bought them locally and I have noticed a few changes in suppressing my appetite and a manageable energy boost.
I have also experienced a few side effects like mild headaches and feeling slightly nauseous. But what I was most interested in was your review of the brands available and how my bottle that I purchased a week ago falls in.
I bought it here in my country but it was imported from the US. Its Bio Nutrition Garcinia Cambogia Extract. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of that brand but I see good reviews on amazon. However after reading what you mentioned about fake amazon reviews I feel a bit skeptical on whether my money was all spent on this product and if I can still put it to good use so it can work for me.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Respect,
Jodi
Hi Jodi, While I have not heard of Bio Nutrition Garcina Cambogia, I did a little research on them for you.
According to their website, (BioNutritionInc.com), they are located at this address: 64 Alabama Ave Island Park, NY 11558
If you google this address you can see what it looks like. Im not sure if this is where they make the product or not?
The Better Business Bureau, gives them an A rating so that is good (google Bio Nutrition and BBB and the file will show up).
I noticed that the product is also sold on SwansonVitamins.com. That website has a chat option where you can talk online to a representative. That might also shed some light on the product.
I’m happy the the product is helping you so that is what’s important. I’m also happy you were able to find my site too. I know it can be difficult sometimes with all the other websites out there.