The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled all Hydroxycut products in 2009 due to serious long-term complications, resulting in one death and 23 adverse complications. According to Linda Katz of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, these effects are rare but serious, requiring immediate medical attention. Some of these long-term effects can result in organ failure or death.
Effects
According to the FDA, reported long-term effects included liver damage, cardiovascular issues and kidney failure. All of the effects were reported even when consumers took the recommended dosage. Rhabdomyolysis, or a deterioration of muscle tissue, caused most of the long-term effects.
Significance
Hydroxycut's long-term effects caused severe liver damage in one consumer. The consumer required a liver transplant to survive. Other consumers suffered from jaundice, seizures and an unnamed cardiovascular disorder. One person, a 19-year-old boy, died from liver failure.
Effects
Due to the long-term effects reports, the FDA removed all Hydroxycut products from store shelves. The products include Hydroxycut Carb Control, Hydroxycut Natural, Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets and Hydroxycut Liquid Shots. The FDA also strongly urged consumers to throw out any Hydroxycut products and discontinue use. Hydroxycut is offering refunds for all Hydroxycut products.
Theories/Speculation
The FDA and Hydroxycut does not know what ingredients caused these long-term effects. Hydroxycut amended their formula in 2003 to remove Ephedra, a dangerous substance banned by the FDA. Still, the ingredients in their formula pose a serious health risk for dieters. The FDA has not made an official ruling.
Popularity
Hydroxycut is considered one of the best-selling products of its kind on the market. According to the Associated Press, Hydroxycut sold over 9 million products last year, accounting for most of diet pill sales in the United States. Many consumers are still taking it because they feel that it is their best alternative.
Tags: long-term effects, Hydroxycut products, liver damage, their formula, these long-term, these long-term effects