Hydroxycut products are recalled

[Guest guest]

This may be important to some readers.

Ralph Giarnella MD

Southington Ct USA

From the LA Times

Hydroxycut products are recalled

10:41 AM, May 1, 2009

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to consumers to stop using

Hydroxycut dietary supplements because some have been linked to serious liver

injuries, with one death reported to the agency.

Iovate Health Sciences Inc. is recalling its Hydroxycut products from the

market. The popular, heavily advertised supplements promise weight loss and

include such products as Max Drink Packets, Caffeine-free Rapid Release Caplets,

and Max Aqua Shed. Not part of the recall are Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia

products. The recalled products contain several ingredients, among them herbal

extracts, although the FDA said it’s not sure which ingredients or dosages

could be causing the problems. Unused products should be returned to where they

were purchased.

In all, one death due to liver failure was reported to the FDA, plus 23

instances of severe health problems including jaundice, elevated liver enzymes,

liver damage (requiring a liver transplant), seizures and cardiovascular

disorders. Liver injury symptoms include jaundice, brown urine, excessive

fatigue, stomach or abdominal pain, and nausea.

Although the FDA says that bad reactions are rare, anyone using the products

should stop immediately. Dr. Katz, the interim chief medical officer of

the agency's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said those

experiencing symptoms should check with their doctor.

-- Jeannine Stein