Hydroxycut Use a Problem Among Soldiers
Not long after the Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of weight loss supplement Hydroxycut, people began worrying whether the news was reaching a large group of its fans: the U.S. Armed Forces. The problem is a significant one, as Hydroxycut has become one of the most popular ways for soldiers to tone muscle and stay awake while on post.
The good news? The military is now aware of the risks posed by Hydroxycut, and has taken action to protect our soldiers. On May 5, government officials confirmed that military exchanges have pulled Hydroxycut from their shelves. This recall extends to Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Navy exchanges. Fortunately, military officials appear to agree that overseas troops face enough dangers without adding liver damage, liver failure, and other Hydroxycut side effects to the list.
The bad news is that preventative actions could have been taken sooner. As early as 2006, military physicians noted several instances of health problems in soldiers using Hydroxycut. The warning came after two soldiers in Iraq south medical treatment for side effects of the supplement. One suffered from severe dehydration and loss of consciousness, while the other experienced heart rhythm irregularities that could have become fatal.
As reported by Stars and Stripes, military emergency physician Col. Frederick C. Good responded to these two incidents, which occurred within the same week, by issuing a letter recommending that soldiers in war zones not use Hydroxycut. According to his warning, on-duty soldiers may be especially at risk of adverse side effects.
The chief science officer of Hydroxycut manufacturer Iovate Health Sciences, Dr. Marvin Heuer, replied at the time that Hydroxycut is safe whenever and wherever it is used correctly. He argued that other factors that affected the soldiers’ health must have caused the two incidents. Just over three years later, the supplement was finally recalled from stores across the US at the request of the FDA.
Contact a Hydroxycut Recall Lawyer
If you or someone you care about has been hurt by Hydroxycut use, you need to know your legal rights. To discuss compensation to which you may be entitled, contact Hydroxycut attorneys Williams Kherkher at 800-761-3187.