Weight Loss Products Part 6: Garcinia Plus Meratrim® Gold
By Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, LDN
Garcinia Plus Meratrim® Gold™ by NutriGold® is a combination of Super Citrimax® Garcinia Cambogia extract at 1500mg (60% Hydroxycitric Acid or HCA) in two caps combined with a proprietary blend of Meratrim® 400mg Sphaeranthus indicus extract and garcinia mangostana extract aiming to help with weight reduction and promote a healthy body weight. A low dose of calcium (100mg) and potassium (210mg) accompany the ingredients. Based on research surrounding these compounds, the product could potentially aid in weight loss for some individuals when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity but consumers should also be aware of potential medication or medical condition interactions before they consider taking a product such as this.
The Super Citrimax® Garcinia, or more specifically, the active compound HCA, is used for weight loss as the active component is thought to interfere with the generation or storage of fat tissue. Research remains inconclusive on the efficacy for weight loss in human studies and there is a need for longer-term studies but there is some interesting research being done on athletic performance with this botanical. Studies do suggest that use beyond 12 weeks at this time is not appropriate and has not been thoroughly enough studied. In studies, higher doses ranging from 1000mg three times daily to 500mg four times daily are usually used to decrease weight. That being said, this product does combine with Meratrim® which may be the reason for a lower dose of Garcinia. Keep in mind that this product could interact with certain medications such as antidepressants, so it is very important to discuss starting it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Meratrim® is a blend of Sphaeranthus indicus extract and garcinia mangostana that the product claims targets fat accumulation, fat reduction and reduces hip and waist measurements. Sphaeranthus indicus is often used in Ayurvedic or traditional Indian medicine for a variety of common ailments. The flower heads specifically for their tonic and cooling properties and also exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Animal studies have shown promising decrease in body weight, cholesterol and triglycerides. It has also been studied in relation to decreasing blood sugars. That being said, more studies are certainly needed regarding human studies and efficacy for weight loss. Garcinia mangostana is also known as mangosteen and has been shown to be beneficial in many ways including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Garcinia mangostana may interact with anticoagulation medications, or medications that thin the blood so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this supplement. This product claims a synergistic effect between the Super Citrimax® Gambogia formulation and Meratrim® combo of sphaeranthus indicus and garcinia mangostana.
I do like the quality of this product which includes items I always suggest looking for: third party certification, following GMPs, vegetarian and free from magnesium stearate with the added benefit of being GMO free and gluten-free. There is transparency in the ingredients and their health claims as well; the site is easy to navigate. Garcinia Plus Meratrim® Gold™ by NutriGold® appears to be free from stimulating properties so it may work for some, as always, in conjunction with healthy eating and physical activity so long as each potential client gets clearance from their doctor for safety in considering medical conditions and medication interactions.
Read Part 1: Are Natural Weight Loss Supplements Safe?
Read Part 2: New Products For Weight Loss: Garden of Life Raw
Read Part 3: Are Natural Weight Loss Products Safe? Bitter Orange
Read Part 4: Do Natural Weight Loss Product Work? Super Citrimax®
Read Part 5: Weight Loss Products: White Kidney Bean Carb Intercept
Ginger Hultin, MS, RD, CSO, LDN, is a health writer and owner of Champagne Nutrition specializing in integrative health and whole food-based nutrition. She serves as Immediate Past President for the Chicago Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chair-Elect of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group and is a Media Representative for the Illinois Academy. Read Ginger’s blog, Champagne Nutrition, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
Ginger Hultin MS RD CSO LDN
gingerhultin@hotmail.com | @GingerHultinRD
Chair-Elect, Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group
ChampagneNutrition.com
NutriGold References:
Natural Medicine’s Database:
Varsha J. Galani, B. G. Patel, and D. G. Rana. Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.: A phytopharmacological review. Int J Ayurveda Res. 2010 Oct-Dec; 1(4): 247–253.
Pande VV, Dubey S. Antihyperlipidemic activity of Sphaeranthus indicus on atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Int J Green Pharm. 2009;3:159–61
Pedraza-Chaverri J, Cardenas-Rodrigues N, Orozco-Ibarra M, Perez-Rojas JM. Medicinal properties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana). Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2008; 46(10): 3227-3239.
