RECALL: Hydroxycut

One death has been linked to Hydroxycut and other cases have involved serious liver injuries, including jaundice and liver failure. Body builders and/or dieters have been warned – the FDA has issued a recall and have urged Americans to stop taking the dietary supplement. The Hydroxycut products by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, N.Y., which have been recalled are as follows:

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

"While this is a small number of reports relative to the many millions of people who have used Hydroxycut products over the years, out of an abundance of caution and because consumer safety is our top priority, we are voluntarily recalling these Hydroxycut-branded products," the company said in a statement on its Web site. Consumers can get a refund by returning the pills to the store they purchased them from, the company said.

Regulation on dietary supplements is not as strict as it is for medications. Manufacturers of dietary supplements do not have to prove to the FDA their products are safe, although regulators are closely monitoring aftermarket reports for any signs of trouble. In 2004, ephedra, an ingredient found in dietary supplements, linked to heart attacks and strokes were also banned. The health risks from dietary supplements can be life threatening. There are other supplements on the market that due not carry such dangerous risks. They are profitable to produce and often marketed to mislead the consumer. We are likely to see litigation result from the serious injuries caused by these dietary supplements.

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