Dangers of Hydroxycut

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple warnings regarding Hydroxycut. After the first warning, Hydroxycut removed ephedra, a plant-based chemical containing the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These alkaloids have been found to cause high blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart attack and stroke. Even after reformulation, Hydroxycut has voluntarily recalled 14 of its products and the FDA still has its second warning in effect.

Heart Health Dangers

Hydroxycut is designed to reduce appetite and increase metabolism. However, serious side effects have been reported by people who use it. Hydroxycut contains caffeine, which can speed up the heart rate and put people at risk for heart attacks. The combination of willow bark, natural aspirin and caffeine in the form of guarana increase this risk as well as the risk for high blood pressure, heart murmurs and stroke.

Kidney Dangers

Along with caffeine and aspirin, Hydroxycut contains potassium. Potassium and calcium are included to help regulate weight loss, but they can interfere with kidney treatments. People with kidney ailments have to limit their potassium intake and should therefore be careful about taking Hydroxycut.

Warning for Diabetics

The FDA warns diabetics required to take insulin not to take Hyrdoxycut because it can interfere with how the brain reads blood sugar levels. Hydroxycut contains chromium, which regulates insulin and controls the body's blood sugar. Chromium tricks the body into thinking that it is full. Taking Hydroxycut could trick the brain into thinking blood sugars are normal when they are not.

Other Side Effects

Besides heart problems and interference with diabetes and kidney treatments, Hydroxycut has been linked to other side effects. The FDA has received reports from people who have taken Hydroxycut who claim that it has led to liver and kidney failure, muscle damage and jaundice. There was a report of a person needing a liver transplant and one reported death due to Hydroxycut.

Recalled Hydroxycut Products

Even after removing ephedra, Hydroxycut still had to pull 14 products off the market because of investigations regarding health problems and death. The products pulled are Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets, Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets, Hardcore Liquid Caplets, Max Liquid Caplets, Regular Drink Packets, Caffeine-Free Drink Packets, Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix), Max Drink Packets, Liquid Shots, Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink), Max Aqua Shed, Hydroxycut 24, Carb Control and Hydroxycut Natural.