Hydroxycut FDA Recall

If you're one of the many who are using the popular diet and weight loss products by Hydroxycut... cut it out!!! Today, May 1, 2009, the FDA issued a warning advising consumers to stop using Hydroxycut products. This warning comes amid 23 reports of negative health effects in Hydroxycut users consisting primarily of liver related damage.

In a statement put out by the Food and Drug Administration...

"The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risk. Adverse events are rare, but exist. Consumers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with these products"

Among the reports to the FDA, at least one death of a 19-year-old due to liver failure in 2007 has been associated to Hydroxycut usage. Other health issues reported include jaundice, liver damage, seizures, and other cardiovascular problems. What is jaundice?

Jaundice, or icterus, is a condition that involves the yellowish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and other mucous membranes. It is caused by a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia, which is an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin, the brownish yellow byproduct of the liver found in bile, is what makes human stool its typical brown color. Jaundice and brown urine are some of the main symptoms of liver damage.

The Hydroxycut parent company, Iovate Health Sciences, has issued a voluntary recall of 14 products on the Hydroxycut brand line. But chances are that most people will discontinue the use of any of their products.

• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
• Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
• Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
• Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
• Hydroxycut 24
• Hydroxycut Carb Control
• Hydroxycut Natural

Please also be aware the the FDA does not have strict regulation of dietary supplements such as Hydroxycut. Dietary supplement products are not required to be registered or approved by the FDA. Therefore, in general cases, manufacturers can produce, market, and start selling their supplement products before FDA review. The FDA does, however, is charged with controlling product information in labeling and claims made by the product.