Side Effects of Hydroxycut Hardcore

Hydroxycut Hardcore is a weight loss supplement manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences in Ontario. Hydroxycut Hardcore functions as a central nervous system stimulant and an appetite suppressant that supposedly helps to metabolize fat efficiently in the context of a reduced calorie diet plan. This version of Hydroxycut Hardcore is formulated specifically for bodybuilders and weightlifters. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers in 2009 to stop taking Hydroxycut, including Hydroxycut Hardcore, following reports of lethal side effects. This product has since been recalled.

Increased Heart Rate

Central nervous system stimulants such as caffeine and yohimbine, two ingredients in Hydroxycut Hardcore, can cause your heart rate to increase, according to MayoClinic.com. Elevation of the heart rate can be a dangerous situation for those with heart disease or other cardiac conditions.

Hypertension

Another side effect associated with this weight loss supplement is an increase in blood pressure or hypertension, as stated by Bodybuildingforyou.com. Over time, hypertension can produce adverse effects on numerous organs and systems of the body; for example, the increased pressure on blood vessel walls from hypertension can increase your vulnerability to cardiovascular disease.

Nervous System Effects

The amount of caffeine in Hydroxycut Hardcore is the equivalent of having three cups of coffee that's around 100 mg of caffeine per cup. As a consequence, you may experience some side effects such as headaches, nervousness, restlessness, trouble sleeping and shakes or jitters, according to Bodybuildingforyou.com. This is supported by research that shows that high doses of caffeine, 200 mg or greater, may produce negative side effects that include increased anxiety and nervousness. Moreover, these amounts of caffeine are associated with inducing panic attacks in the general population, according to Johns Hopkins' caffeinedependence.org. If you are caffeine-sensitive, it is best that you avoid Hydroxycut and similar products.

Vascular Disease

Another ingredient in Hydroxycut Hardcore is methionine. Research conducted on the effects of this amino acid shows that it may have the potential to produce vascular disease. Specifically, a study by D. McAuley, et al., in the 1999 "Journal of Toxicology and Clinical Toxicology" found high doses of methionine to be associated with increasing the levels of the molecule known as homocysteine, which can lead to atherosclerosis.

Liver Damage

The apparent impetus for the FDA to initiate a recall of this product came from reports of liver problems in consumers who had taken Hydroxycut. This side effect is stated as rare, yet quite serious. Consult with your physician before actually beginning any supplementation on your own.