“Scientifically Researched Primary Ingredient” in Hydroxycut? It's Caffeine
By Jim Greene
Published on December 27, 2009
Hydroxycut, a dietary supplement marketed as a weight-loss aid, was recalled earlier this year as the result of reports to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that users of the product line suffered liver damage. So far, the FDA says it does not know what ingredients in Hydroxycut might be potential culprits.
In a 2004 recall of a previous formulation of Hydroxycut, the FDA knew exactly which ingredient they wanted out of circulation: the stimulant ephedra, which was banned from use in all dietary supplements in the United States. The Hydroxycut line was then owned by Muscletech Research and Development.
New Formula Introduced Since Latest Recall
The current Hydroxycut owners, Iovate Health Sciences, Inc., have already put out a new formulation since this year's recall. As did the recently recalled version, this one relies heavily on a more familiar stimulant: caffeine. In fact, that's the primary active ingredient in a number of dietary supplements sold as weight loss aids.
The latest Hydroxycut label boasts a "scientifically researched primary ingredient" for "increased energy and boosted metabolism to burn more calories." It's the caffeine. The claim is that something called thermogenic action will help burn calories. That's essentially an elevated internal body temperature, which can result from caffeine raising one's heart rate (along with blood pressure).
"Other Ingredients" Pretty Routine Stuff
Other ingredients mentioned in promotional copy are "vitamin C and natural ingredients like goji, acerola and blueberries to provide antioxidant support." It's hard to argue against vitamin C and blueberries. Acerola, a small fruit that grows on shrubs found in the Americas from southern Texas to Brazil, has been shown to have high antioxidant value. "Goji" refers to berries that come from two different plants species native to Asia; one has some antioxidant value and is being studied by scientists for possible medicinal applications, the other has been shown to have no medicinal value.
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