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.
Thanks from Australia Joe, you are excellent at researching and then explaining the most pertinent points.
I’ve been looking for some decent weight-loss protein powder but there are just too many to choose from. I’m glad I found your site and will continue my own research.
Storm, you are very welcome and hello back from America! 🙂
I’ve been very interested in purchasing and using a natural detox product for a while now, so when I was introduced to Lady Soma, I was eager to get the process started. Here was my experience with the Detox from Lady Soma:
Day 1 I didn’t really notice too much of an effect, but by Day 2 there was a tangible and noticeable effect going on in my body. Over the next few days, I began to purge toxins and feel better and my belly began to tighten up! Another great benefit was the extra boost of energy the pills provide which helped to kickstart my workout routines. I see that the detoxifying effects also gives your body more energy since you are operating more cleanly.
A few weeks into the program, I notice less bloating. . .
orangeAmy, thanks for the feedback. I’ll try to take a look at Lady Soma for a future review.
Hi Joe,
I really liked this article and agree with everything that others have said – you’re unbiased and look for the solid facts and we all love that!
I’ve been looking into GC and have seen so many raves about how wonderful it is, but I’m kinda skeptical especially when it comes to stuff on the internet and buying online. My worry is that I haven’t seen a single bad review for GC on any website except for Amazon. Are there any??
Also, with my being paranoid with online buying, is there a certain website that is legit, not a scam and is at least semi cheap?
Thanks again for your article, I look forward to reading more of your stuff!
Hi Randee and thank you for your nice words. I truly do appreciate it. When I advise people about a supplement/company I often say to look for a company you have heard of. That is because if you’ve heard of them, they’ve probably been around long and may have racked up a reputation that they don’t want to harm. I also look at Amazon reviews. While they are not perfect (I’m sure there are some fakers in the reviews), when you see one with hundreds of positive reviews, that may be a tip off that the product is ok.
I do look at the negative reviews also because while I’m sure there are some fake positive reviews, I think its probably less likely that somebody took the time to write a fake negative review. Also, some negative reviews may not be related to the product but something else. If I can find a product with lots of good reviews and only a few negative reviews and if Ive heard of the company, then I tend to that that product may be worth a look.
Consumerlab.com analyzes supplements to see if they contain what they are supposed to contain. I looked up garcinia cambogia for you and they noted that these companies were good:
fruitbiotics
pacific naturals
optimal health products
genesis today
jarrow formulas
natures plus
nutragold
Pure Health
Puritans Pride
Vitamin Shoppe
Hope that helps and let me know what happened if you try it 🙂
Dear Joe, again many thanks for that consumer site. As Randee said, I’ve seen sites where ALL reviews were 5-star reviews and a whole group of them all showed up on the same dates and minutes from each other. Each company I’ve found these kind of reviews have been bogus. (a couple times I’ve had brain freezes and ordered some too good to be true products).
One of these sites is where they show a before and after picture of a fake woman who “angers plastic surgeons” because she found out that combining 2 face products did BETTER than any plastic surgery could do! I called each of the companies and they actually told me it was a marketing trick. ALL the reviews were 5s and all came in minutes apart!
Your advice is right on-pick a company you trust.
Roseann (a big fan)
Rosseann, hey, thanks again for that 🙂 Yeah I know about those “5 star reviews” I’ve seen them too… LOL
I would like to try the garcinia trim gold and the pure mango cleanse…. But can’t seem to get an answer on if I take them together…. Or one in the AM and the other in the PM?? Can anyone help?? Please and thank you!
Lora, why would you want to use them together? did someone tell you they were better together? Here’s what I suggest, if you are going to use them, start with only 1 of the supplements for the first week and begin with less than is recommended. one or two weeks later, add in the second supplement, again starting with less than is recommended (the least you can take). this is to help you see what the side effects might be and give your body more time to adapt to the products. My personal opinion is that you dont need either of these products.
Since you mentioned Pure Mango Cleanse, here is my review of African Mango which is what that product is.
Remember, “cleanse” = laxative. Here’s the thing to remember about laxatives. they make you poop because they work at the large intestine – where the poop is. Cleanses /laxatives DO NOT work on the small intestine – where we absorb calories from. So, laxatives dont stop you from absorbing calories but rather they just make you poop. its poop weight you lose, not body fat.
Does that make sense? Here is a link to my personal site where I discuss the different types of weight loss supplements and which I think are probably best. I also cover other things that can help too.
If you have any other questions, just ask.
That’s the most accurate and understandable, but also funny, explanation I’ve ever read about laxatives and cleansings!
Roseanne, 🙂
The website for those two products suggests you use them together. I started this about a week ago and the headaches are killing me!
Morgan, stop taking them both if you are having headaches. If they don’t go away quickly go to your doctor.
Hey Joe…wow what a research. Thanks. I started taking Garcenia Cambotia I will let you know if it works. So far, it has decreased my appetite. I have also notices that I have lost maybe one or two inches.
Alex, Thanks Im glad you found me “out there” and Ill look forward to learning what happens.
I just bought garcinia cambogia in a straight powdered form from nuts.com. I added 1/4 teaspoon to water to drink it. It is much cheaper than the capsule form. $9.99 for a large 8 ounce bag. Now I know for sure that there are no extra added ingredients.
Sheri, Ive never heard of nuts.com thanks for the heads up 🙂
Joe, I just wanted to express my appreciation for your honest, thorough, and UNBIASED review! I’ll keep you on my radar next time I want a review on a substance or supplement! Keep it up, it’s so refreshing to find you.
Pamela, thanks so much for writing! I’m happy I was able to help you 🙂
lastly,
What do they mean by ”vegetarian capsules” on the GC hca bottles???
Thank you again
Chinwe, vegetarian capsules must mean that the capsules were not made using any ingredients derived from animals.
First of all JOE, I duff my hat ,……. you are humble to say the least, you have sound knowledge of your research and not judgmental in any ways, the way you receive the compliments too…… soooooooo happy i found you!!!!
The manner you tackle questions are awesome. I came across this review by chance whilst frantically searching out the so called “Helen Criswell” (some people are headed straight to hell sha!) its obvious she/he does not exist!.
having said this, i have plans for a healthier living hence this search; i love the fact that the reviews have stated clearly there are no miracle pills more or less.
my question remains thus : Is there any difference between The Garcinia Cambogia and The Pure Garcinia Miracle. kindly educate me on this.
I appreciate your leveled input in every brimming question raised, we have become more knowledgeable all thanxx to you sir. Keep up the good work .
Chinwe, you are very kind to say all that. I truly appreciate it! I dont believe there is any difference between garcinia cambogia and the product called Pure Garcinia Miracle. In fact, its my opinion that the more “over the top” words I see in the name of a product (like miracle or pure) the more I’d say to stay away from it.
Recently I saw Dr Oz on TV confronting some of the scammers who use his name online to sell garcinia cambogia. Interestingly when they tested that particular product, it actually had very little of the active ingredient (hydroxy citric acid or HCA).
Do you know of anything that tells what happens to you AFTER taking garcinia cambogia? Does appetite increase, or maybe the affected hormones dramatically increase or are no longer produced by the body naturally?
Amber, I dont think there are any long term studies of what happens after people stop taking garcinia cambogia. I dont think it alters hormones long term to curb over eating. My guess is that if it works, if you stopped taking it, that hunger would increase again. Im basing that on the fact that most people regain weight after they go on a diet. Is garcinia any different? Im not sure but I think the same thing applies to it as well. If you try it, let me know what happens what happens after you stop taking it.
great job thank you, i was debating between this and lipozine so thank you, this helped me a lot. Keep up the great work.
lashawn
Lashawn, thanks I’m glad I was able to help 🙂
Have you reviewed the benefits of products containing anthocyanins to raise HDL cholesterol?
Hi Hal, I found this study from 2009 that appears to show they can raise HDL and decrease LDL in people with cholesterol problems http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19640950
Thanks, Joe! What’s the best supplement or pharmaceutical you know of to stimulate HDL production? Mine is 35 (up from 26) but way below an optimum level of 60 and I’ve tried all the usual suspects from Slo Niacin and fish oil by the ton to D3 and CoQ10, Resveratrol, grape extract, bioflavinoids, Astaxanthins and just about anything that’s ever been recommended along those lines over the last 30 months with little positive change.
I am about to turn 66 in February and I feel FABULOUS but the risk factors (Type 2 Diabetes, high uric acid levels, low HDL etc etc) are piling up no matter how strong and healthy I feel. I have a very open minded and cooperative doctor at the VA Hospital who monitors EVERYTHING and gives it his best shot but you seem to have the gift when it comes to to researching the esoterica of supplements like no one I’ve ever encountered.
You have my undivided attention and complete trust. Lead me to the HDL Promised Land! Thanks a MILLION for all you do for so many here!
Hal, did your doctor say you have metabolic syndrome? Did your doctor mention LDL levels or something called “A1C”? you mentioned the risk factors for type II diabetes are piling up so thats why I ask. having a low HDL is one of the parts of metabolic syndrome. Could you stand to lose some weight? if yes, that is what I recommend to boost your HDL levels. Weight loss along with exercise will not only help your HDL levels but also help the other diabetic risk factors you may be experiencing.
Here is something I wrote about type II diabetes that may help shed light on things
http://www.joe-cannon.com/natural-cure-for-diabetes/
Thanks, Joe! I’m off to raise my metabolism!!!
i have never took a diet supplement before i have ashtma so cant to intense work out but i walk so i hope this helps with the weight loss thank you for your research
Tonya, you are welcome and I hope garcinia helps you. let me know what happens.
do you know anything about trusted nutrients company
Tonya, Ive never heard of a company called ” trusted nutrients company.” I tried to look them up online but didn’t see any website for them.
Dear Joe, thank you thank you, I’ve been clearing out my cabinet and after quite a bit of reading on your amazing reviews I have made some decisions. I won’t use my raspberry ketones, and I will try Glucomannan or Garcinia Cambogia @65%.
I am unsure though which to try as I also am wanting to increase my good bacteria by increasing probiotics. (I suffer from asthma and therefore GERD which I have recently discovered is exacerbated by Prilosec used continuously) so your opinion would be greatly appreciated. I think I’ve read so much today I’m now confused. Thanks for saving me from buying skinny fiber too.
Regards Chris (New Zealand)
Chris, thanks Im glad you found my reviews and comments from others helpful! Between glucomannan and garcinia cambogia, if it were me, Id try glucomannan first and use less than is recommenced for the first week, just to see how you respond to it (this is wise to do with all supplements as well).
As for probiotics, Im not sure if its really possible for probiotics to change the bacteria that colonize our bodies. If it is possible it might be hard to do. As such if you are going to try to add some probiotics, Id rather you just ate yogurt as opposed to something that costs a lot of money.
As an aside, I predict that probiotics will soon be marketed for weight loss because of some interesting animal research (on fecal transplants) that shows that when bacteria from skinny people are transferred to overweight mice, the mice lose weight. There is no human research so far (so be skeptical of probiotic weight loss supplements). Here is something to check out for more info on this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/06/health/gut-bacteria-from-thin-humans-can-slim-mice-down.html?_r=0
Thanks Joe, that article had me smiling trying to picture what mouse was what. But I got there in the end. If I ever get to improve my GERD by eating yoghurt I’ll let you know, as that will be my only evidence I could have changed my gut composition. Note the words “ever, and could” as of course I’m just an at home experimenter with friends who love to joke about what I’ve found on google. Have you bookmarked now which of course is the new standard of respect. Cheers.
Thanks Chris 🙂
I, too, really appreciate your hard work. Some of us folks just need a unbiased opinion/research that isn’t trying to sell us on one product or the other. Thx Mr. Joe!!
Rena, you are very welcome 🙂
Joe, can you stop being so amazing for one minute so I can get some sleep?! I can’t stop reading. 🙂 But seriously, thank you for providing such informative and helpful research, it is very much appreciated.
Hannah, LOL ok I’ll try -but it will be hard LOL. I hope you got some sleep 🙂
I take synthroid..menopausal. just started on low dose bio identical hormones. Can I take gc?
Christine, Im not aware of any interaction with syntheroid but to be safe I would not take GC within 2 hours of taking syntheroid.
No, Joe, there are none like you in all the research I have done on the Internet! You are the only unbiased researcher I have yet found-all others are trying to sell something! And how you respond to people’s comments on your sites is so special. I love your newsletters and I love your book on supplements. It is also researched so well. The newsletter gave me good info on the FDA stand on listing gluten-free foods, and it also gave me info on which grains have been associated with gluten symptoms. You are very unique and special.
Thanks Roseann, I really do appreciate that! You made my day 🙂
I had a feeling…. I fell for the “geek” factor. Oh well, I refused the auto-ship option-I’ll NEVER do THAT auto-ship thing again! At least, you gave all the research on GC, so I feel the product is worth trying. But I am very positive on this fact-YOU ARE the only really unbiased expert I have EVER seen on the Internet. Everyone else is trying to sell something.
Roseann, I’m glad I was able to help! I’m sure there are many others out there like me 🙂
Joe Cannon is my favorite, unbiased, thoroughly researching “geek”, but I also read the Rag Tag Health geeks info on GC. They recommend using a GC product with a full 65% HCA and NO calcium, which they say interferes with absorption. So I bought a product called HCA65 Garcinia Cambogia which doesn’t have calcium but does have potassium to help absorption. I haven’t tried it yet, because I have lost weight and belly fat from changing my diet and excluding glutens, sugars, soy, dairy and eggs.
But I’m visiting family in Rural Wisconsin for 3 weeks and may not be able to stay on my strict lifestyle change diet as much as I can at home, in a bigger city where I can buy my special food items.
Joe, what are your thoughts on the Rag Tag Health geeks? Are they sold out to the companies they recommend? That’s why YOU are so special- you don’t sell products.
Roseann, I’m really flattered by your words, really! Until today I’ve never heard of red tag health geeks. While I don’t want to speak ill of other people (or other geeks) I did notice they were extolling the virtues of raspeberry ketones. But if they had read my review, they would have known the evidence is just 2 mouse studies. On the about page of the site they say they are research geeks but don’t list any credentials or even their actual identity.
The website of the red tag health geeks is Aprovenyou.com. I looked up the website APROVENYOU.COM on Whois.com (which shows info about websites) Here is the whois.com file on the website : whois.com/whois/aprovenyou.com
From it’s whois file, I discovered that it is registered to Joseph Smith of JJSmith Marketing. JJSmith Marketing is an internet marketing company. Here is its website : jjsmithmarketing.com/
I’ll let you draw your on conclusions.