WARNING WARNING

Hoping none of you would consider this anyway!

Fat-Burning Supplement Warning

The FDA is investigating "the potential relationship between Hydroxycut dietary supplements and liver injury or other potentially serious side effects" according to the issued warning.

There has been 1 death and 23 serious incidences reported, including severe jaundice and liver damage requiring transplant as well as seizures and rhabdomyolysis.

Iovate Health Sciences has responded by pulling 14 of their Hydroxycut products from the shelves. Iovate says that they had sold approximately 9 million units of the recalled products in 2008.

Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements sold in health food and department stores and pharmacies. They are marketed for weight loss, fat-burners, and low-carb diet aids as well as energy enhancers and for water loss according to the FDA.

Fat Burning Supplements: Should we just avoid them altogether?

While it appeared that removing Ephedra (Ma Huang) from fat burning supplements would make them safe - it turns out that many of the so termed "thermogenic enhancers" can also pose health risks.

While health organizations do have a penchant for overreacting to dangers of certain supplements, I think there is legitimate cause for concern. Here are 2 quick thoughts:

* First and foremost, the dose makes the poison. There's a very good chance that those who suffered adverse effects from these supplements were using them incorrectly/excessively.
* On the topic of excessive - supplement companies tend to make exaggerated and otherwise spurious claims regarding their products. Don't be lulled into thinking that you are at a disadvantage by not taking their supplements.

Bottom Line

* You can achieve amazing results without these supplements. Results come from hard work and dietary diligence, not pills.