FDA: Stop Using Hydroxycut Weight Loss Products

The FDA is warning consumers to stop using 14 popular Hydroxycut weight loss products that have been recalled and linked to multiple reports of liver problems and at least one death.

As reported in today's FDA Warning on the Hydroxycut Product Recall, the agency has received 23 reports of serious health problems linked to the weight loss aids, including jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and liver damage requiring transplant. The Hydroxycut products have been linked to one death caused by liver failure.

According to the FDA: "Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss." See today's FDA Warning on the Hydroxycut Product Recall for a full list of affected products. The affected products were manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences Inc. (of Oakville, Ontario) and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. (of Blasdell, N.Y).

Health officials have yet to pinpoint the exact ingredient or dosage that may be responsible for health problems linked to the recalled Hyroxycut products, which contain a variety of herbal extracts and other ingredients, according to the FDA.

At least 9 million units of Hydroxycut products were sold last year, making the supplement one of the most popular among dieters and bodybuilders, according to the Associated Press.

The AP also reports on the trend toward stricter regulation of dietary supplements: "Dietary supplements aren't as tightly regulated by the government as medications. Manufacturers don't need to prove to the FDA that their products are safe and effective before they can sell them to consumers. But regulators monitor aftermarket reports for signs of trouble, and in recent years companies have been put under stricter requirements to alert the FDA when they learn of problems."

• FDA Warning on the Hydroxycut Product Recall (FDA.gov)
• Hydroxycut Products: Health and Safety Information (FDA.gov)
• Reuters: Hydroxycut Products Recalled After 1 Death
• AP: FDA Warns Dieters: Stop Hydroxycut Use Immediately
• Defective and Dangerous Products (FindLaw)
• Products Liability - An Overview (provided by Galligan & Reid, P.C.)