A popular dietary supplement used for weight loss is being recalled in the United States after it was linked with serious liver damage.
The US Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to stop using 14 Hydroxycut products after receiving 23 reports of liver damage, including a death.
The products are widely used in New Zealand.
Body builders on Auckland's North Shore were happy to put their bodies on display today, but there was no joy in hearing one of their favourite health supplements might soon be off-limits.
"I'm shocked, to be honest," says Jacquie Lewis. "It's a really good product. It's a product that a lot of us rely on. It's worked exceptionally well for me in the past, it's worked for a lot of other body builders, I recommend it. I can't believe they're going to take it off the shelves."
It is not yet certain the product will be pulled, but developments in the US make that a real possibility.
The FDA warned anyone taking Hydroxycut to stop. The manufacturer is recalling 14 products after the diet supplement was linked to severe liver problems and at least one death. Some 9 million packages were sold last year alone.
Hydroxycut is used to decrease body fat. It is mainly used by body builders to enhance muscle definition, but doctors in the US say the products are not safe.
Users in New Zealand say the situation is different here, as the local formulation has some harmful ingredients removed.
"Medsafe have got fairly stringent regulations about the amounts of different ingredients," says Peter Hardwick, owner of Nutrition Plus. "Normally they won't get on to the market unless they meet their specifications."
Mr Hardwick says he has never had any bad feedback about the product, but would voluntarily withdraw it from sale if there was any evidence it was dangerous.
"Well, one death out of 280 million people; what else was the person taking?" he asks. "Did he read the instructions correctly? Did he take twice as much as you're supposed to? Some people think, 'If two capsules is great, 10 capsules will be even better.' The consumer has to take some sort of responsibility."
The Ministry of Health says it is investigating the matter and will work with the Food Safety Authority in addressing any safety concerns.
In the meantime the products remain on the shelves, available for anyone willing to fork out $150 a bottle.
3 News