Supplement Reviews
Hoodia
What it is: Hoodia is an herb derived from the South African plant known as Hoodia gordonii.
What it does: Hoodia is marketed as a supplement that will help to shed unwanted pounds without dieting or exercise.
Verdict: Hoodia has long been used by South African bushmen for appetite suppression. It's active ingredient is a molecule called P57 that purportedly works on the hypothalamus, sending a signal to the brain that the body is full and thereby reducing caloric consumption. Since calories in vs. calories out ultimately dictates weight loss, it would seem that Hoodia has promise as a weight loss aid. But despite the hyped up claims, there is very little science to support its use. To date, only one published study has looked at the effects of P57 on appetite suppression. And although the study suggested there might be some benefit in this regard, it was performed on lab rats-not humans-so it's not clear what can be taken from it. An isolated study is rarely ever conclusive in itself, especially in a case like this, considering the limitations of the protocol. What's more, given the lack of peer reviewed research, we still don't know about possible side effects. Remember, as a dietary supplement, Hoodia is not regulated by the FDA and it could be months or years before medical issues are reported. Anecdotally, the results of Hoodia seem to be mixed. For every person who says it works, another says it doesn't. Bottom line: Considering the scant evidence for efficacy, the lack of data on potential side effects and the fact that Hoodia is quite expensive, the risk/reward quotient simply isn't there as yet. A lot more research will need to be undertaken before a recommendation is warranted.
DISCLAIMER: The preceding review is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as advice on whether or not to use a particular product. Always consult your physician before taking any supplement.
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