While many women worry about weight gain during pregnancy, it isn't the best time to attempt weight loss. Taking diet drugs or supplements intended for weight loss might have detrimental effects on the health of your pregnancy and your developing baby. Many weight loss supplements, including those that contain Citrimax, contain warnings for pregnant and nursing women.
Citrimax
Citrimax contains an extract from the Garcinia plant, a variety of fruiting plant native to Asia. The active ingredient in Citrimax is hydroxycitric acid, commonly called HCA. Studies supporting the effectiveness of Citrimax are limited. According to Drugs.com, some people taking hydroxycitric acid experience side effects, including headache, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. While this herbal substance's effect on pregnancy is unknown, many ingested substances can pass from mother to child during pregnancy and might affect the actions of certain medications.
Weight Loss
Many women require additional calories during pregnancy to obtain the necessary nutrition required for the growth of their developing babies. Regardless of whether you take weight loss supplements, dieting during pregnancy can limit the amount of calories and nutrients you consume, possibly leading to nutritional deficiencies during this important time. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding your weight and the use of herbal weight loss supplements, especially while you are pregnant.
Considerations
Manufacturers of Citrimax claim that the active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid, helps to suppress appetite and inhibit the production of fat without stimulating the nervous system. While some people might experience a loss of weight while taking Citrimax, there is little scientific evidence supporting these claims. Diet aids that contain Citrimax also might contain a variety of other substances purported to help with weight loss, including herbal diuretics and laxatives.
Precautions
Due to the lack of scientific information, pregnant women should not take Citrimax or other herbal substances without their doctor's approval. There is no established daily value or safe level for this substance. Like many types of herbal supplements, products that include Citrimax contain a warning label intended for pregnant women, children under the age of 18 and people taking medication. According to Drugs.com, hydroxycitric acid might interact with certain medications, including those taken for diabetes and anemia.
