We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Citrimax®?

By Jessica Saras
Updated: Feb 08, 2024
Views: 11,209
Share

Citrimax® is an over-the-counter weight loss supplement made from the rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit, a pumpkin-like fruit found in India. When taken orally, the product claims to increase users’ metabolisms and promote faster weight loss. These claims, however, have not been substantiated, and little research has been performed to evaluate the supplement’s effectiveness.

Citrimax® was originally introduced in 1991 by InterHealth Nutraceuticals, a company specializing in dietary supplements and nutritional products. At the time the product launched, the main ingredient used was ephedra, a Chinese herb found in many popular pills. Although fairly effective for weight loss, ephedra users reported side effects such as elevated blood pressure and heart palpitations, which led it to become illegal in many countries.

In response to the ephedra restrictions, many popular weight loss supplements were reformulated without the substance. In 1997, an ephedra-free version of Citrimax® was released under the new name “Super Citrimax®” and featured Garcinia cambogia fruit as its main ingredient. InterHealth dropped “Super” from the product’s name in 2004.

As the main ingredient in Citrimax®, Garcinia cambogia fruit is said to boost the amount of fat a person burns during exercise. There is very little evidence to support this claim, however, and the few studies that have been done have proven inconclusive. Prior to its use in weight loss supplements, the Garcinia cambogia fruit was primarily used as a flavor additive in many Indian dishes.

One of Citrimax's® other ingredients is hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Often found in Asian cuisine, HCA purportedly reduces malonyl-coA cell levels, an enzyme that slows metabolism and reduces the amount of fat a person burns during exercise. In theory, this means HCA would help its users lose weight by increasing the number of calories they burn each day. Once again, however, clinical studies have been unable to substantiate this claim.

Although there is insufficient evidence to determine whether or not the fruit of Garcinia cambogia and HCA are beneficial for weight loss, Citrimax® has been shown to reduce its users’ lactic acid levels. Technically a waste product produced by the human body, lactic acid can build up in the muscles, causing the burning sensation that often occurs during and after rigorous exercise. As a result, the product may prevent muscle tension and pain during a workout, thereby promoting longer workout sessions and, in turn, increase the number of calories burned during physical activities.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By complady — On Nov 10, 2013

I spent a day in ER last week with a blood pressure of 222/106. I was given a heavy duty med by IV and my BP began to drop but has remained around 160/90 even with a script.

The only thing that I was doing differently was taking Garcinia Cambogia. I had taken it for nearly three weeks and felt fine otherwise. Has anyone else had blood pressure/heart issues with this? I also wonder how long this stays in the system. I am shocked and dismayed over this. Shame on me for not doing more research.

Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-citrimax.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.