Muscletech’s Hydroxycut removed from market after reports of consumer death

The first of May see’s the FDA releases a public warning after 23 reports of serious health problems following the use of Hydroxycut containing products. Some within the industry are calling this the next ephedrine fiasco with suggestions of a huge fall out across the weight loss industry damaging an already damaged consumer confidence in such products.

Iovate Health Science has agreed to withdraw 14 associated products from the market according to the FDA press release. The 23 reports received by the FDA range from elevated liver enzymes to liver failure and one report of death of a 19 year old in 2007, according to the FDA’s chief science officer.

According to the FDA’s interim Chief Medical Officer, Linda Katz “urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products to avoid undue risk. Adverse event are rare, but do exist. Customers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with these products”.

This follows a study in the academic Journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences (54 (2) ;406-409. 2009) a few months ago linking the active in Hydroxycut (Hydroxycitric Acid) to severe hepatotoxicity. Dr Katz commented “part of the problem is that the FDA looks at dietary supplements from a post-market perspective, and an isolated incident is often difficult to follow and detect”.

The fall out may lead to a tightening in premarket approval but time will tell.

Sources: Reuters and FDA Press release