Animal research indicates that HCA suppresses appetite and induces weight loss. One case report found that eating 1 gram of the fruit containing HCA before each meal resulted in the loss of 1 pound per day. However, much more research in human populations is needed to determine the effectiveness of HCA as a weight loss aid. An altered form of the sugar molecule, pyruvate might aid weight loss efforts. A clinical trial found that pyruvate supplements, compared to placebo, enhance weight loss and also result in a greater reduction of body fat in overweight adults consuming a low-fat diet.
Animal studies suggest that pyruvate leads to weight loss by increasing the resting metabolic rate.
Spirulina , or blue-green algae, is a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. One double-blind trial of sixteen overweight individuals reports that 2.8 grams of spirulina taken three times per day for a four week period results in a small, but statistically significant weight loss. One study suggested that chromium could cause mutagenic damage, based on very high doses of chromium in ovarian cells of hamsters. This risk, however, has not been demonstrated in humans. High intakes of pyruvate can trigger gastrointestinal upset, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.