All-Natural and Deadly: Botanical Ingredient May be Linked to Hydroxycut Liver Damage
From its release until its recall was announced on May 1, 2009, Hydroxycut was marketed as an all-natural way to lose weight and tone muscles. Unfortunately, being made from natural ingredients does not guarantee safety. Over 20 reports of liver damage caused by Hydroxycut have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration so far, and health officials warn that the actual number of injuries may be much higher.
Fourteen different products manufactured by Iovate Health Services and marketed under the Hydroxycut brand name have been recalled. Public health officials are still investigating which ingredient of these weight loss supplements may be responsible for injuries to consumers. One likely culprit has been named so far: SuperCitrimax, a proprietary stimulant blend made from extracts of Garcinia cambogia and used in the production of Hydroxycut.
Also known as Gambooge or Brindleberry, Garcinia cambogia is a fruit-bearing plant found in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Its extract has been used in several other weight-loss and energy-boosting supplements besides Hydroxycut, although its effectiveness has never been empirically proven.
Dietary Supplement Safety in the Future
Hydroxycut liver damage attorneys are deeply concerned about the people who have been injured by this supposedly safe dietary supplement. We are also alarmed about the flaws it reveals in our consumer protection programs. Because it was marketed as a dietary supplement instead of a drug, Hydroxycut did not need to be thoroughly tested before being placed on the market. Its makers did not even need to prove that its ingredients are all safe!
Public health advocates have been stressing a need for more rigorous food product testing for some time. While the injuries suffered by innocent Hydroxycut users have been tragic, some good may come from this recent health scare if it causes long-term change. Our team of Hydroxycut recall lawyers is prepared to fight for this change today.
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If your or a loved one has been hurt by a Hydroxycut weight loss product, you could be eligible for compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. More importantly, you can send a message that corporate negligence must be stopped. To learn more, contact Hydroxycut injury lawyers at your convenience.