Archive for May 1st, 2009

I heard this on the radio a little bit ago and verified it on the FDA website.  Fourteen different hydroxycut products have been pulled for serious liver problems ranging from enzyme elevation to death. 

I thought this was really important to get out in the milblogosphere because of the sheer number of soldiers I know who use hydroxycut products.  I know people use these products for weight loss, “cutting up”, staying awake on patrol, and a wide variety of other uses – recommended and otherwise.  I have even used the product in the past, although I can’t now because of flight status.  I have said it before, and now more than ever it holds true,  we don’t know what the long range effects of these “natural supplements” is.  They are not regulated by the FDA, no long term studies have been done, and the individual dosing varies based on several factors. They are rough on the kidneys and liver, as well as shifting the homeostasis of the body in order to increase metabolism, etc.  I don’t care if its Hydroxycut, NitRX, or any of the other slew of body building, weight loss, or metabolic supplements, you just can’t be 100% sure of their safety so use them with caution.  Being on dialysis at 45 or 50 because your kidneys shut down is not fun.  Hydroxcut was considered “perfectly safe” until today.

I don’t often do this, but since I have a small readership, Please pass this on to the blogs, twitter streams, etc of soldiers and people you know.

Anyway, off my soap box and onto the quotes: