Hydrocut Ingredients

Manufactured in varying forms by Iovate and MuscleTech, Hydroxycut headlined the fat-loss pill market in 2009 with the FDA recall of all Hydroxycut products due to potential liver damage. Since then, Hydroxycut received a revamp of ingredients, and the new formula is still promoted as a rapid weight loss supplement with fat burning potential. Hydroxycut ingredients are available on the label and the Internet, but deciphering their meaning requires research. The FDA does not endorse or promote any weight loss supplements, including Hydroxycut.

Herbal Extracts

Inovate's Hydroxycut contains five herbal extracts under the label of "Hydroxagen Plus." On the Hydroxycut Advanced label this is simply listed as Hydroxagen Plus, without any qualifying information as to what this incorporates. The Dietary Supplement Labels Database lists these herbs as Garcinia cambogia, Gymnema sylvestre, soy phospholipids, Rhodiola rosea and Withania somnifera. Certain herbal supplements may interfere with prescription medications; discuss all herbs with a healthcare provider prior to initiation.

Hydroxy Tea

Hydroxycut contains a blend of herbal teas that are responsible for the energy supplementing claims. Guarana powder, green tea, white tea and oolong teas make up the Hydroxy Tea blend in Hydroxycut. Tea blends are under investigation for their weight loss and metabolism boosting properties. A 2008 study on PubMed.gov highlights the efficacy of green tea in fighting obesity when taken routinely for 12 weeks. Together, this tea blend provides 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is approximately equivalent to two cups of coffee, according to the Dietary Supplement Labels Database.

Vitamins and Minerals

Hydroxycut Advanced by MuscleTech contains 583 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. This blend also contains vitamin D and zinc, although the effect of vitamin D and zinc is not clearly demonstrated on weight loss and fat storage. Hydroxycut contains calcium and potassium, which may impact muscle recovery time and electrolyte balance favorably, according to the Dietary Supplement Labels Database.

Inactive Ingredients

A host of fillers, preservatives and sweeteners are needed to make the Hydroxycut pill. Approximately seven chemicals coat the inside and outside of Hydroxycut pills including dicalcium phosphate, crospovidone, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silica, carboxymethycellulose sodium and acesulfame potassium. These are mostly chemical preservatives and stabilizers, and the only concerning ingredient here is acesulfame postassium, which may have a correlation with some cancers, indicates the Center for Science in the Public Interest.