Weight loss is arguably the number one goal when it comes to fitness. And one popular supplement used for this purpose is Garcinia Cambogia which is a small, yellow pumpkin-shaped fruit.
But the actual supplement is made from the peel of the fruit which contains the active substance hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is believed to be responsible for the weight loss benefits. (1)
Although, its weight loss potential has shown mixed results but it may still be worth adding to your weight loss regime.
So, we reviewed 10 of the best Garcinia Cambogia supplements currently available with more information about the active ingredient.
- NutriRise Garcinia Cambogia
- Sports Research Garcinia Cambogia
- BulkSupplements Garcinia Cambogia
- Vitamin Bounty Garcinia Cambogia
- Creative Bioscience Garcinia Cambogia
- NutriSuppz Garcinia Cambogia Complex
- Now Supplements Garcinia Cambogia
- MagixLabs Garcinia Cambogia
- BioSchwartz Max Strength Garcinia Cambogia
1. Editor’s Pick – NutriRise Garcinia Cambogia 100% Pure 3000mg
NutriRise Garcinia Cambogia is a crowd favorite and all-natural product containing only the active ingredient in a potent dosage.
Key features
- Garcinia Cambogia extract with 80% HCA (Hydroxycitric acid) 1500mg
- One serving supplies 3000mg of active ingredient
- 100% natural ingredients and nothing else
- Vegetable capsules
- Non-GMO
Makers: NutriRise
Main ingredients: Garcinia Cambogia extract with 80% HCA (Hydroxycitric acid)
Other ingredients: Vegetable capsule
Pros
- cGMP compliant
- Third-party tested
- Non-GMO
- May be good as an appetite suppressant
Cons
- Some user dissatisfaction
Nutri Rise Garcinia Cambogia
Nutri Rise Garcinia Cambogia
Nutri Rise Garcinia Cambogia has non-GMO ingredients, supports weight loss, boosts metabolism, controls cravings, free of all allergens.
2. Sports Research Garcinia Cambogia 500mg
A popular brand for sports supplements, we’d expect only the best quality from Sports Research and their Garcinia Cambogia is mixed with extra virgin organic coconut oil.
Key features
- 500mg Garcinia Cambogia standardized to 65% HCA (total HCA is 325mg)
- Contains 700mg extra virgin organic coconut oil
Makers: Sports Research
Main ingredients: Garcinia Cambogia and extra virgin organic coconut oil
Other ingredients: Organic yellow beeswax, Non-GMO sunflower lecithin, soft gel capsule (kosher gelatin, kosher vegetable glycerin, purified water, natural caramel).
Pros
- All-natural
- GMP certified
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Contains tree nuts which may cause an allergic reaction for some people
Sports Research Garcinia Cambogia
Sports Research Garcinia Cambogia
Sports Research Garcinia Cambogia has non-GMO ingredients, gluten-free, made with organic virgin coconut oil.
3. BulkSupplements Garcinia Cambogia
BulkSupplements products usually make it in our reviews due to the absolute simplicity, effectiveness, and overall value. Not to mention, they offer several different sizes and you can choose powder or capsule form.
Key features
- Garcinia Cambogia std. To 60%
- Powder or capsule form
Makers: BulkSupplements
Main Ingredients: Garcinia Cambogia
Other ingredients: None
Pros
- All-natural
- Simple
- Lab-tested
Cons
- Not guaranteed to be effective for all users
BulkSupplements Garcinia Cambogia
BulkSupplements Garcinia Cambogia
BulkSupplements Garcinia Cambogia has no fillers, clean ingredients, appetite suppressant, energy and mood boost and weight loss management.
4. Vitamin Bounty Garcinia Cambogia 1000mg
The company claims to have manufactured the highest quality blend of Garcinia and while we cannot confirm this, it’s definitely right up there with the best options.
Key features
- Contains 1000mg of Garcinia Cambogia (50% HCA)
- Also contains calcium (5%), chromium (167%), and potassium (1%)
- Vegetable cellulose capsules
Makers: Vitamin Bounty
Main ingredients: Garcinia Cambogia, calcium, chromium, and potassium
Other ingredients: Vegetable cellulose (capsule), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose
Pros
- Contains health-supporting ingredients
- Tested for potency
- Made in NSF certified facility
Cons
- Contains an additive and anti-caking agent (not much of a concern)
- Some user dissatisfaction of product potency/effectiveness
Vitamin Bounty Garcinia Cambogia
Vitamin Bounty Garcinia Cambogia
Vitamin Bounty Garcinia Cambogia has no artificial flavors or colors, stabilize body's blood sugar, non-stimulant and gluten-free.
5. Creative Bioscience Garcinia Cambogia 1234 (1,500mg)
Creative Bioscience claims to be the #1 selling diet brand in the U.S. with its award-winning formulas. But their Garcinia Cambogia seems to be a decent product for what it provides.
Key features
- Serving has 1,500mg Garcinia Cambogia with 60% HCA
- Also contains calcium (20%), chromium (170%) and potassium (2%)
- All-natural formula
- Vegetable capsules
Makers: Creative Bioscience
Main ingredients: Garcinia Cambogia, calcium, chromium and potassium
Other ingredients: Vegetable cellulose (vegetable capsule)
Pros
- All-natural formula
- Made in GMP approved facility
- 24/7 access to diet support team
Cons
- Several complaints of ineffectiveness
Creative Bioscience Garcinia Cambogia 1234
Creative Bioscience Garcinia Cambogia 1234
Creative Bioscience Garcinia Cambogia is gluten-free, non-GMO, blocks fat formation, suppresses appetite.
6. NutriSuppz Garcinia Cambogia Complex 1400mg
NutriSuppz Garcinia Cambogia is a high potency formula containing 95% of the active ingredient.
Key features
- 1400mg Garcinia Cambogia (95% HCA)
- Also contains potassium, calcium (5%) and chromium (233%)
- Vegetable capsules
Makers: NutriSuppz
Main ingredients: Garcinia Cambogia, potassium calcium and chromium
Other ingredients: Cellulose (vegetable capsule), magnesium stearate (vegetable)
Pros
- Quality ingredients
- GMP certified and made in FDA facility
- Facility doors open for tours
Cons
- Not guaranteed to work for all users
NutriSuppz Garcinia Cambogia
NutriSuppz Garcinia Cambogia
NutriSuppz Garcinia Cambogia supports weight loss, energy levels, assist metabolism and gluten-free.
7. NOW Supplements Garcinia Cambogia 1000mg
NOW is one of the most reputable companies out there, having been around since 1968, their products are of the best quality available.
Key features
- 1000mg Garcinia Cambogia and 50% HCA (500mg)
- 14% calcium from Garcinia extract
- Vegetarian capsules
Makers: NOW
Main ingredients: Garcinia cambogia, calcium
Other ingredients: Cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), and vegetarian coating.
Pros
- GMP certified and lab-tested
- Optimal HCA dose
Cons
- A few complaints about the effectiveness
Now Supplements Garcinia Cambogia
Now Supplements Garcinia Cambogia
Now Supplements Garcinia Cambogia has no hidden allergens, steroids, sulfites, hydrogenated oils, pesticides, artificial colors or fillers.Â
8. Magixlabs 100% HCA Ultra Extreme 1,500mg
This product contains naturally derived HCA (100%) which is a potent amount of the active ingredient.
Key features
- 1500mg proprietary blend of naturally-derived hydroxycitric acid 100%, Garcinia Cambogia fruit rind
Makers: Magixlabs
Main ingredients: Proprietary blend of naturally-derived hydroxycitric acid 100%, Garcinia Cambogia fruit rind 1,500mg
Other ingredients: Vegetable cellulose capsules
Pros
- All-natural
- GMP certified
Cons
- Proprietary blend (can hide exact ingredient amounts)
- Several complaints of product not showing any benefit
MagixLabs Garcinia Cambogia
MagixLabs Garcinia Cambogia
MagixLabs Garcinia Cambogia has all-natural ingredients and vegan.
9. BioSchwartz Max Strength Garcinia Cambogia Fast-Acting Formula 1,500mg
Another quality option, this fast-acting formula provides an effective dose of HCA (95%) with no junk ingredients.
Key features
- 1,500mg Garcinia Cambogia with 95% HCA.
- Contains calcium (3%), chromium (6%) and potassium (1%)
- Vegetable capsules
Makers: BioSchwartz
Main ingredients: Garcinia Cambogia, calcium, chromium and potassium
Other ingredients: Vegetable cellulose (veggie capsule)
Pros
- All-natural
- Non-GMO
- Third-party tested
Cons
- Several users unsatisfied with product effectiveness
BioSchwartz Garcinia Cambogia
BioSchwartz Garcinia Cambogia
BioSchwartz Garcinia Cambogia advance weight management, all-natural and non-GMO, third party tested, superior absorption, doctor-formulated.
How We Ranked
The product selections on our list were based on certain criteria to ensure we recommend only the best quality options currently available on the market.
Here are the main factors we took into consideration…
Ingredients – Each product should contain a therapeutic amount of the active ingredient and very limited additional ingredients if any at all.
Effectiveness – This will depend entirely on the ingredients in the product but we only picked quality options from reputable companies.
Manufacturing Standards – Ideally, products are produced and stored in a cGMP facility which ensures quality.
Side Effects – Side effects are sometimes inevitable when it comes to supplementation which doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the product as one person may experience a side effect and someone else may not.
However, products should only contain ingredients that are generally considered safe for most people with little chance of causing discomfort or other undesirable effects. User feedback is also sometimes a good way to determine the overall quality of a product.
Who Should Buy Garcinia Cambogia?
We recommend only healthy individuals with no or minor medical condition/s (depending on the condition) supplement with Garcinia Cambogia.
If your goal is to achieve weight loss and you have already implemented a healthy regime and understand that weight loss is a process, then you might be a good candidate.
How Do I Pick A Good Garcinia Cambogia Product For Me?
Choose a product based on your budget, overall value, and user feedback may also be a good way to determine the potential effectiveness of a product.
But you also want to choose a product from a reputable company (we’ve provided several) as there’s more of a chance you’re getting the ingredients and amounts the label says it provides.
It’s also typically recommended to look for a product that contains 50-60% HCA for optimal potency. Although, many are higher.
Potential Benefits of Garcinia Cambogia
Studies are mixed on Garcinia Cambogia but there could be several reasons why this is. But it’s still worth considering due to the potential effects found through several reviews.
Weight loss
As previously explained, the main ingredient hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is believed to possess the weight loss properties. However, the weight loss effects do appear to be modest at best.
But that’s to be expected from a supplement of its type which consists of natural ingredients.
Now, there are a few studies that show the small weight loss effects of Garcinia Cambogia short term and it has also been shown to be effective for the reduction of abdominal fat. (2, 3, 4)
But the largest study of 135 participants found that Garcinia Cambogia supplementation was no more effective than placebo after 12 weeks of treatment. (5)
And several other studies have concluded the same results. (6)
However, the dosage, bioavailability, and other factors may play a role in the mixed results and studies hardly consider all variables hence the varied effects.
But based on this information, we’d say it may work for some people and not others.
Let’s talk about how Garcinia Cambogia elicits its potential effects in the body to support weight loss.
Improves fat in blood and oxidative stress
One study found that Garcinia Cambogia is effective for reducing the buildup of fat in the blood from high-fat diets while also reducing oxidative stress (imbalance between the amount of disease-causing free radicals and antioxidants which protect the body against free radicals). (7, 8)
The fat reducing effects may be due to the suppression of an enzyme called citrate lyase which is associated with fat production. Therefore, Garcinia Cambogia may not only have an effect on fat cells but also long term health. (9, 10)
One study also found that 2800mg of Garcinia Cambogia reduced total cholesterol (6.3% lower) but good cholesterol (HDL) was increased (10.7% increase) while bad cholesterol (LDL) was reduced (12.3% lower) and triglycerides were reduced (8.6% lower). (11)
This is promising evidence for health improvement.
Digestive system
Studies have discovered that Garcinia Cambogia has positive effects on gastric ulcers and colitis in rats. Although, this information isn’t sufficient to suggest it can be effective for humans and further studies need to be conducted to show a promising therapeutic benefit. (12, 13)
Blood sugar improvement
There are a few studies that show positive effects of Garcinia Cambogia on blood sugar and insulin although conducted on animal subjects. But the evidence may still be promising for humans.
When rats were given Garcinia Cambogia at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight/day in addition to a high-fat diet for ten weeks, in one study; a reduction in body weight gain, inflammation, and glucose intolerance were seen. (14)
But rats that were just fed a high-fat diet without the Garcinia saw an increase in weight gain, glucose intolerance, and raised levels of leptin.
Does Garcinia Cambogia Have Side Effects?
There are typically very little to no side effects associated with taking Garcinia Cambogia in recommended dosages. So it’s pretty safe in most cases. (15, 16)
Although, there have been minor side effects reported such as headaches, digestive system discomfort, and even rashes on the skin. (17)
But there have also been concerns about liver health in certain individuals one scientific review warns. Although there’s also evidence to refute this claim. (18, 19)
So, it’s best to never exceed the recommended dosages in the event that liver issues may be a potential side effect.
Also, some supplements can interfere with certain medications, which you want to be mindful of and always consult with a medical professional to ensure you take necessary precautions.
But you always want to make sure to buy from reputable companies with good user feedback to ensure you’re getting an effective product with safe dosages.
What’s The Recommended Dosage?
Different products will likely have varied dosage recommendations so always make sure to read the product label to ensure you’re taking a safe and effective amount.
There’s really not a confirmed dosage amount currently so just use caution and again, read the label to ensure you don’t exceed a safe amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garcinia Cambogia?
It’s an active substance extracted from the peel of a fruit of the same name which is small, yellow and shaped like a pumpkin.
What is Garcinia Cambogia used for?
It’s typically used as a supplement to support weight loss efforts and the active ingredient HCA (hydroxycitric acid) is believed to be responsible for the effects.
How much Garcinia Cambogia do I need to take to see the benefits?
Take what the label on each product recommends and no more. There are different Garcinia Cambogia products so keep this in mind before purchasing. Although, the active ingredient should remain the same but the percentage may vary.
Is Garcinia Cambogia a safe supplement for everyone?
It’s typically safe when taken in recommended dosages. Although, some people experience headaches, stomach comfort, and rashes.Â
There have also been liver health concerns but at the same time, research shows no negative effects on the liver.Â
So, the potential for side effects really depends on the individual.
Wrapping Up
Garcinia Cambogia is a viable natural option for weight loss support. And although the effects are typically modest at best, it’s still worth considering as any effect is a good one.
And remember, results will vary between individuals. You’ll still need to have an effective weight loss regime in place as no supplements are solely responsible for getting you to your fitness goals.
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