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Hydroxycut

Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements used to aid in weight loss. In May, 2009 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning urging consumers to stop using the products due to a potential risk of liver damage. Iovate Health Sciences voluntarily recalled 14 Hydroxycut products from the market. When the FDA issued its warning it had received reports of 23 cases of liver problems linked to Hydroxycut use, one severe enough to require liver transplant, and one death.

Hydroxycut Liver Damage Study

In January, 2010, the American Journal of Gastroenterology published a report of a study that analyzed 17 cases of liver damage in Hydroxycut users. Three patients included in the study required liver transplant. The fatal case reported to the FDA was included. The remaining 14 patients recovered. The study found that the likelihood that Hydroxycut had caused liver damage was:

• Greater than 95% in eight patients
• 75% to 95% in five cases
• 50% to 74% in two cases

In the remaining two of the 17 patients the study found that Hydroxycut may have been linked to their liver damage.

Recalled Products

The ingredient, or combination of ingredients, causing liver damage and other health has not been determined. Hydroxycut products included in the recall are:

• 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

Shortly after the recall Iovate released a reformulated product called Hydroxycut Advanced.

Health Problems Linked to Hydroxycut

In addition to liver damage Hydroxycut users reported health problems including cardiovascular disorders, seizures, and rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is rapid breakdown of the muscles releasing a protein into the bloodstream that can cause kidney damage.

Symptoms of liver damage include:

• Jaundice - yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes
• Dark urine (also a sign of kidney damage)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Itching
• Light-colored stools

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