Hydroxycut is a nutritional supplement designed to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. It is manufactured and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences. In the United States, Hydroxycut is sold without ephedra. Despite this precaution (ephedra is a potentially harmful stimulant), the safety of using Hydroxycut has been called into question. Hydroxycut Hardcore is a version of the product that is specifically formulated for bodybuilders and weightlifters. Hydroxycut products are currently under recall.
Active Ingredients in Hydroxycut Hardcore
Hydroxycut Hardcore contains three blends of active ingredients, each with specific functions:
Proxyclene Fat Loss Blend contains green tea extract, caffeine (about 280mgs), white willow extract and Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco extract (extracted from quebracho, a South American evergreen which also contains high concentrations of yohimbe, which blocks receptors that can slow fat loss);
Norepidrol Intensity Focus Blend contains Deanol acetamidobenzoate hydrogentartrate, xanthinol nicotinate, evodia rutaecarpa extract (fruit extract which causes the brain to release norepinepherine, stimulating the central nervous system and boosting metabolism), inula racemosa extract (root extract) and codonopsis pilosula extract (root extract). These extracts are intended to increase mental focus and sharpness; and
Lasidrate Delivery Blend contains Troxerutin (extracted from the Japanese pagoda tree, promotes capillary health), Inositol (promoting metabolic function and nutrient transfer), Cnidium Monnieri extract (which opens blood vessels, increasing blood flow to muscles) and black pepper extract for nutrient absorption.
How it Works
Hydroxycut and similar products work by supercharging the body's natural thermal reactions. The various natural stimulants, of which caffeine is the most integral, work to speed up the metabolism, while other plant extracts such as yohimbe work to shut down the body's natural roadblocks against weight loss. When combined with physical activity, this physical stimulation results in accelerated weight loss.
Effectiveness
Hydroxycut Hardcore is marketed as the most effective fat burner on the market, and there is some research to support this claim. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical nutrition found 7.9 percent more weight loss in the group taking the product than in the control group. Other studies indicate about 4.5 times the weight can be lost when using Hydroxycut in addition to diet and exercise as opposed to diet and exercise alone.
Side Effects
Hydroxycut and Hydroxycut Hardcore have a number of side effects. These may vary depending on the user. Side effects can include: increase in blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, increased sweating, restlessness, hyperactivity, shakes, anxiety, loss of appetite, nausea and discoloration of stool.
Many of these side effects are common to stimulants.
Health Risks and Recall
Hydroxycut products have been linked to liver failure and at least one death. This is due to the potential hepatoxicity (liver damaging capacity) of the fruit ingredient gambooge, or the Malabar tamarind. On May 1, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to all Hydroxycut consumers to stop using the product immediately. All Hydroxycut products are currently under recall by Iovate Health Sciences.
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