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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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US Recalls High-Profile Diet Pill

'Natural' supplement Hydroxycut caused liver damage: FDA

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(AP) – US government health officials are announcing the recall of a popular weight loss pill, after reports of liver damage and other health problems. Food and Drug Administration officials said Friday the manufacturer of Hydroxycut has launched a recall of the dietary supplement, used by people trying to shed pounds, and by body builders to sharpen their muscles.

Hydroxycut is advertised as being made from natural ingredients. It accounts for about 90%  of the market for weight loss supplements, with sales of about 1 million bottles a year. Dietary supplements are not as tightly regulated by the government as medications. Manufacturers do not need FDA approval ahead of time before marketing their products.

Hydroxycut is popular among bodybuilders and those trying to lose weight. As a
Hydroxycut is popular among bodybuilders and those trying to lose weight. As a "dietary supplement," it isn't regulated by the FDA.   (©rich115)
Hydroxycut is being recalled by its maker, AP reports.
Hydroxycut is being recalled by its maker, AP reports.   (Hydroxycut)
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4 comments
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anchower
May 1, 09 3:31 PM CDT
What exactly is the rationale behind the FDA not regulating supplements? Or doing anything else to protect consumers? Come on Dems, fund these bastards and give them an expansive mandate. Reply
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BettyEF
May 1, 09 9:39 PM CDT
Hate to be my crass self, but anyone still taking diet pills at this stage deserves whatever comes their way. Fen-Phen, Redux, etc... Reply
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kati
May 2, 09 10:47 AM CDT
This was tested on animals without showing any damage, thus vivisection does not pertain to humans, period. Reply
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serfinWI
May 3, 09 9:58 PM CDT
Once again, we're asking the government to step in and save us from ourselves. It's scary enough taking drugs that ARE FDA approved (remember the hormones, Celexa, Fen, Phen, Redux, just to name a few). Why put something like this in your body that's not even FDA approved. Why put anything into your body that isn't needed? The FDA does not regulate supplements, because it's not their job under the law, not because they aren't funded. It would take a change in the law and more government. Common sense would solve the problem. Unfortunately, there's isn't a lot of that around. Reply
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