Hydroxycut: How safe are these so-called weight loss supplements?

What is Hydroxycut?

Hydroxycut is a dietary supplement, which is used for weight loss.  Hydroxycut is a blend of several different ingredients, which promotes weight loss.  The main ingredients in Hydroxycut include caffeine, lady’s mantle extract (Alchemilla vulgaris), wild olive extract (Olea europaea), cumin extract (Cuminum cyminum), wild mint extract (Mentha longifolia), and, in some products, green coffee bean extract (Coffea canephora)

Hydroxycut products are marketed for weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss.  Hydroxycut used to contain ephedra, which was banned by the FDA and later Hydroxycut was reformulated and ephedra was removed from the formulation. The present formulation contains caffeine, which is an ingredient that is considered to cause side effects.

The previous formulations of Hydroxycut seemed to cause numerous side effects, including liver damage, seizures, cardiovascular problems, rhabdomyolosis.  The warnings on Hydroxycut labels recommend not to be used by anyone under age 18 and to seek medical attention for any unusual symptoms. There have been numerous reports of dangerous side effects related to Hydroxycut supplements, but most of them were due to the older formulations.  The list of products, which was recalled by Lovate Health Sciences in 2009 includes:

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

Hydroxycut was relaunched in 2010 with a new formulation and the major ingredients causing side effects were removed.

How does Hydroxycut work?

Hydroxycut is a blend of several different ingredients formulated to promote weight loss.  Hydroxycut is powered by a key weight loss driver called as C. canephora robusta.  Caffeine is the most potent ingredient in Hydroxycut, which promotes weight loss.  Studies have shown that caffeine can boost metabolism by 3% to 11% and enhance fat burning by about 10% to 29%.  People taking, the key ingredient in Hydroxycut (C. canephora robusta) for 60 days lost an average of 10.95 lbs.

What are the possible side-effects?

Liver Damage

Liver damage is a medical condition, which damages the liver and prevents it from working properly.  The most common types of liver disease include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholic hepatitis, hepatitis A, and hemochromotosis.  Symptoms of liver injury include yellowing of the skin, brown urine, elevated liver enzymes, unexplained itching, fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite, stomach and abdominal issues such as pain, nausea, vomiting and light-colored stools.  Previous formulations of Hydroxycut included ephedra and was known to cause liver damage.

The FDA received reports of liver damage which was so severe that the patients required liver transplants. Patients recovered when they stopped taking Hydroxycut and there was also one death reported due to liver failure.  Hydroxycut was banned by FDA and the product was recalled by Lovate Health Sciences and later Hydroxycut was reformulated and ephedra was removed from the formulation.

Seizures

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain, which causes changes in the behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness.  Two or more seizures or a tendency to have recurrent seizures is called epilepsy.  Another health problem which was reported to the FDA by consumers taking Hydroxycut was seizures.  Hydroxycut contains ephedra alkaloids and caffeine, which are both central nervous system stimulants and there is a possibility that these ingredients were responsible for seizure activity.  As previously discussed the ingredient ephedra alkaloids was removed from the formulation and was relaunched in 2010 with a different formulation.

Cardiovascular Problems

Cardiovascular disease is a medical condition which includes diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots.  The most common types of cardiovascular disease include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, and stroke.  Problems related to the heart were reported to the FDA by people taking Hydroxycut, ranging from irregular heartbeats to heart attacks. Again the culprit was noted to be the ingredient called as ephedra, which was known to increase the blood pressure and stress the circulatory system leading to several heart conditions.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is a medical condition in which damaged skeletal muscle breaks down rapidly.   It results from the death of muscle fibers and the release of Myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure.  Rhabdomyolysis was another health problem reported to the FDA by the consumers.  Ingredients such as caffeine and ephedra which are present in Hydroxycut was associated with rhabdomyolysis as they promote muscle damage and myoglobin is released into the bloodstream.

Different Hydroxycut products

PRO CLINICAL HYDROXYCUT – 60 CT:  The products contain vitamin D, B vitamins, and Apple Cider Vinegar.  This product can be used for Weight Loss plus Energy.  The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Rapid-Release Capsules.

NEW HYDROXYCUT GUMMIES:  Hydroxycut Gummies contain 16 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and B-vitamin complex.  Benefits include Non-Stimulant Weight Loss.  The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Gummies.

HYDROXYCUT DRINK MIX:  This delicious Drink Mix contains zero sugar and has only 10 calories per serving.  Benefits include Electrolytes & Vitamins.  The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Powder Packet.

PRO CLINICAL HYDROXYCUT NON-STIMULANT:  Includes essential vitamins to help metabolize proteins, carbs and fats.  This product is 99% caffeine free and contains Apple Cider Vinegar. Benefits include Non-Stimulant Weight Loss.  The dosage is twice daily. Form:  Easy-to-Swallow Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT ORGANIC:  This product contains an organic, gluten-free, non-GMO key ingredient.  It is a certified Organic + B Vitamins.  Benefits include Organic Weight Loss.  The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Rapid-Release Caplets.

HYDROXYCUT ULTRA LEAN:  This product boasts of an exclusive patented weight loss ingredients of Pure Turmeric/Curcumin & ALA Patented Combination.  This product delivers metabolism boost, essential vitamins, and extra energy.  Benefits include essential vitamins. The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT DROPS:  This product is a convenient, Quick-Dissolve Water Enhancer.  Benefits include energy. The dosage is twice daily. Form: Quick-Dissolve Drops.

HYDROXYCUT MAX FOR WOMEN:   This is a specially formulated product for women, which promotes weight loss and provides fast acting energy and biotin for hair, skin and nails support.  The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Rapid-Release Liquid Capsules.

SLAY BY HYDROXYCUT:  A cutting-edge technology for advanced weight loss.  Benefits include burning calories. The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Mini Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT BLACK:  Hydroxycut Black provides intense weight loss with the rapid-release, liquid-thermo technology.  Benefits include Maximum energy, extreme sensory and metabolism boost.  The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Rapid-Release Liquid Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT PLATINUM:  Hydroxycut Platinium has a complete, premium, 5-in-1 formula for weight loss, probiotics, vitamins, energy, and a metabolic boost.  Benefits include probiotics. The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Rapid-Release Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT HD:  Hydroxycut HD provides high-definition weight loss and provides hours of energy and focus.  Benefits include Smart Release Microbead Technology.  The dosage is twice daily. Form: Liquid Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE:  Provides Hardcore weight loss, extreme energy, and maximum intensity.  Benefits include Extreme Energy & Maximum Intensity.  The dosage is twice daily. Form: Rapid-Release Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE CLA ELITE:  A high-quality non-stimulant weight loss product containing exclusive ingredient combinations.  Benefits include non-stimulant. The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Softgels.

HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE ELITE SPORT:  This formula can increase training intensity with advanced weight loss and thermogenic formula in active men and women.  Benefits include unique neurosensory matrix. The dosage is twice daily. Form: Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE ELITE:  This product provides extreme energy, enhanced focus, and powerful weight loss for Fitness-Focused Men & Women.  The dosage is twice daily. Benefits include Superior Thermogenesis.  Form: Rapid-Release Thermo Capsules.

HYDROXYCUT DRINK MIX SAMPLE:  This is a delicious drink mix which contains zero sugar and only 10 calories per serving.  Benefits include electrolytes and vitamins. The dosage is twice daily.  Form: Powder packet.

References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118021/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/hydroxycitric-acid-hydroxycut
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-hydroxycut-work#section7
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148654.php

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