U.S. government health officials have warned dieters and body builders to immediately stop using Hydroxycut, a widely sold diet supplement that has been linked to cases of serious liver damage and at least one death.
The company that makes the dietary supplement has agreed to recall 14 Hydroxycut products. Patients experienced symptoms ranging from jaundice to liver failure.
Dietary supplements aren't as tightly regulated as medications. Manufacturers have no need to prove to the FDA that their products are safe and effective before they can sell them. The FDA relies on voluntary reports to detect problems.