The aim of this systematic review is to examine the efficacy of Garcinia extract, hydroxycitric acid (HCA) as a weight reduction agent, using data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs).
Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Twenty-three eligible trials were identified and twelve were included. Nine trials provided data suitable for statistical pooling. Meta-analysis revealed a small, statistically significant difference in weight loss favoring HCA versus placebo (MD: -0.88 kg; 95% CI: -1.75, -0.00). Gastrointestinal adverse events were twice as common in the HCA group compared with placebo in one included study.
It is concluded that RCTs suggest that Garcinia/HCA extracts can cause short-term weight loss.
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