Is Caffeine Free Hydroxycut Safe?

Hydroxycut is heavily advertised and sold not only in weight loss centers around the country but in mainstream drug and grocery stores as well. Although it's effectiveness is highly touted by it's producer, it's safety has been called into question.

History

• Hydroxycut was first introduced in 2002 and was titled "Hydroxycut." Since then it has been sold under many names and been associated with varying active ingredients, including caffeine, Ephedra and Guarana.

Effects

• According the the FDA, Hydroxcut can cause, "seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure."

Significance

• Despite the FDA warning, the CDC estimates that 15% of the population of the United States uses or has used a a weight loss supplement with Hydroxycut being one of the most popular.

Warning

• In earlier variants, Hydroxycut contained the supplement Ephedra, which in 2003 was banned by the FDA. Ephedra has been linked to side effects including liver failure and cardiac arrest.

Recall

• In May of 2009, Hydroxycut voluntarily recalled all of it's Hydroxycut brands, including the caffeine-free product, in response to the FDA warning. Hydroxycut released a statement that said, "While this is a small number of reports relative to the many millions of people who have used Hydroxycut products over the years, out of an abundance of caution and because consumer safety is our top priority, we are voluntarily recalling these Hydroxycut-branded products."

Effects of Caffeine

• Caffeine may aid in "appetite suppression, calorie burning and water loss," according to Katherine Zeratsky, nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic. She warns, however, that because caffeine is a stimulant, overuse can cause nervousness, insomnia and other problems.