Hydroxycitric Acid
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Hydroxycitric Acid ((-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,580 participants, researched for Weight Management, Fat Inhibition, Appetite Control and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Weight Management
ModerateFat Inhibition
ModerateAppetite Control
ModerateAthletic Performance
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Weight Management
To evaluate high-dose HCA supplementation on weight and fat loss in obese adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate high-dose HCA supplementation on weight and fat loss in obese adults.
Dose
2,800 mg/day HCA (Super CitriMax form)
Participants
90 obese adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
HCA supplementation produced significantly greater weight loss (-5.4 kg vs -1.8 kg placebo) and fat reduction. BMI and waist circumference decreased significantly. No serious adverse effects.
How They Measured It
Body weight, body fat (DXA), waist circumference, BMI
To evaluate the effect of HCA combined with medium-chain triglycerides on weight management.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of HCA combined with medium-chain triglycerides on weight management.
Dose
1,000 mg/day HCA + MCT
Participants
150 overweight adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
HCA + MCT combination produced greater fat reduction and weight loss than placebo. The combination enhanced fat oxidation while HCA inhibited de novo lipogenesis, providing complementary mechanisms.
How They Measured It
Body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass
Fat Inhibition
To assess HCA on de novo lipogenesis during carbohydrate overfeeding.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess HCA on de novo lipogenesis during carbohydrate overfeeding.
Dose
1,500 mg/day HCA
Participants
44 adults on controlled carbohydrate overfeeding
Duration
14 days
Results
HCA supplementation significantly attenuated de novo lipogenesis during carbohydrate overfeeding. Respiratory quotient returned toward baseline faster in the HCA group, reflecting reduced fat synthesis.
How They Measured It
Respiratory quotient, de novo lipogenesis markers, lipid panels
To characterise HCA inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase and downstream lipogenesis.
Study Type
In-vitro study
Purpose
To characterise HCA inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase and downstream lipogenesis.
Dose
Various HCA concentrations
Participants
Rat hepatocyte cell culture
Duration
N/A
Results
HCA inhibited ATP-citrate lyase with Km of ~13 µM, reducing cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA availability by >60% at physiologically relevant concentrations. This mechanism limits fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis.
How They Measured It
ATP-citrate lyase inhibition kinetics, acetyl-CoA levels, fatty acid synthesis rate
Appetite Control
To assess HCA supplementation on appetite and satiety in overweight adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess HCA supplementation on appetite and satiety in overweight adults.
Dose
1,500 mg/day HCA
Participants
89 overweight adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
HCA significantly reduced appetite scores and total caloric intake. Serotonin levels were elevated, consistent with appetite suppression via increased tryptophan availability from glycogenesis modulation.
How They Measured It
Appetite VAS, caloric intake diary, serotonin levels
Athletic Performance
To evaluate HCA supplementation on endurance performance and fat oxidation during exercise.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate HCA supplementation on endurance performance and fat oxidation during exercise.
Dose
1,000 mg/day HCA for 5 days
Participants
18 trained male cyclists
Duration
5 days
Results
HCA supplementation increased fat oxidation during submaximal exercise and improved time to exhaustion by 12% compared to placebo. Glycogen sparing effect was observed, consistent with enhanced fat utilisation.
How They Measured It
Time to exhaustion, fat oxidation rate, RER, muscle glycogen
To investigate HCA on exercise capacity and fuel utilisation in trained rodents.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate HCA on exercise capacity and fuel utilisation in trained rodents.
Dose
0.5% dietary HCA
Participants
Sprague-Dawley rats
Duration
4 weeks training + HCA
Results
HCA-supplemented trained rats showed greater swim endurance and higher post-exercise liver glycogen levels. Fat oxidation rate was elevated during exercise in the HCA group, supporting glycogen-sparing effects.
How They Measured It
Swim time to exhaustion, muscle glycogen, liver glycogen, free fatty acids
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hydroxycitric Acid research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Hydroxycitric Acid ((-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA)), involving 1,580 total participants. Research covers Weight management, Fat inhibition, Appetite control and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Hydroxycitric Acid has been researched for: Weight management, Fat inhibition, Appetite control, Athletic performance. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 9 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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