The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially warned consumers to discontinue using the popular weight loss product, Hydroxycut. In a press release issued May 1, 2009, the FDA made the warning about the product after receiving numerous reports of serious liver damage among those using the dietary supplement products. As of the time of the recall announcement, Hydroxycut has been involved in at least one death due to liver failure. Other serious health effects that have been reported include cardiovascular disorders, seizures, kidney failure and muscle damage.
Iovate Health Science, Inc. manufactures Hydroxycut and Iovate Health Sciences USA, Inc., handles the distribution. In addition to being marketed as a weight loss supplement, the product has been touted as a low carb diet supplement and an energy enhancer. The manufacturer has agreed to a voluntary recall of over a dozen Hydroxycut products:
