Types of Hydroxycut
MuscleTech Hydroxycut dietary supplements are marketed as fat burners that serve as weight loss aids, energy-enhancers, appetite reducers and water-loss-producing thermogenics. The brand does not use ephedra; the blend of ingredients include garcinia cambogia, gymnema sylvestre, chromium polynicotinate, caffeine and green tea. Common types of Hydroxycut released after the initial classic formula include a caffeine-free formula, a round the clock formula with caffeine-free pills for night time, a "hardcore" formulation for bodybuilders and a "max" formulation targeted at female fitness competitors. The full product list includes Regular Rapid Release Caplets, Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets, Hardcore Liquid Caplets, Max Liquid Caplets, Regular Drink Packets, Caffeine-Free Drink Packets, Hardcore Ignition Stix Drink Packets, Max Drink Packets, Liquid Shots, Hardcore Ready-to-Drink, Max Aqua Shed, 24, Carb Control, Natural and Cleanse.
Side Effects and Risks
MedTV cites that side effects such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased sweat rate, insomnia and loss of appetite are to be expected because Hydroxycut contains caffeine and is promoted as an appetite suppressant. Uncomfortable side effects include nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness, itching, increased urination, indigestion or feeling restless and jittery. Side effects that may warrant medical attention and/or cessation of use include tremors, seizures, heart palpitations, arrhythmia or signs of an allergic reaction. Those who notice signs of jaundice or other symptoms of liver damage should also seek medical attention.
Warnings and Recall
The FDA issued a news release on May 1, 2009 urging consumers to cease Hydroxycut use due to its connection with a death and the risk of liver injury. It received 23 reports of serious health problems, including jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, liver damage, seizures, cardiovascular damage and rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney failure. Jaundice, which is yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes, and brown urine are signs of kidney failure. Although adverse liver function reports were not received for all Hydroxycut products, Iovate Health Sciences, Inc. agreed to recall all products others than Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products. Serious adverse side effects from these products should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
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