Hydroxycut is a well-known brand of weight loss supplements that has been around for over two decades. The company offers various products, including pills, capsules, shakes, gummies, and drink mixes. While Hydroxycut claims its products can help people shed pounds and boost energy levels, it has faced controversy for its unsubstantiated claims, potential side effects, and involvement in multiple lawsuits.
This article provides an in-depth look at the ingredients in Hydroxycut Weight Loss Drink Mix, its effectiveness, and safety.
Hydroxycut Drink Mix Ingredients
The ingredients in Hydroxycut drink mixes vary depending on the specific product. For example, Hydroxycut Wildberry Drink Mix contains the following ingredients:
Hydroxycut Drink Mix Complex:
- Robusta Coffee Extract (as C. Canephora Robusta) (Bean) Standardized For 45% Chlorogenic Acids
- Plum (As: Prunus Domestica) (Fruit Pomace)
- Baobab Extract (as: Adansonia Digitata) (Fruit)
- Cardamom (as: Amomum Cardamomum) (Seed)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (as: Malus Pumila) (Fruit)
Naturally Sourced Energy:
- Coffee Extract (as: Coffea Robusta) (Bean) Supplying [135mg] of Caffeine
Electrolyte Plus Blend:
- Potassium Chloride
- Coconut Water (as: Cocos Nucifera) (Fruit)
- Watermelon Juice (as: Citrullus Lanatus) (Fruit)
Other Ingredients:
Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor and Artificial Flavors, Acesulfame-Potassium, Sucralose, Malic Acid, Red No. 40.
Hydroxycut Hardcore Ultra Shield Drink Mix Packets - Tangerine Mimosa contain the following ingredients:
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Thermo Energy and Focus Matrix:
- Taurine
- L-Tyrosine
- Enfinity (Paraxanthine)
- Alphasize Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (Alpha-Gpc), (Supplying 50% Alpha-Gpc)
- Asian Ginseng (as Panax Ginseng) (Root)
Electrolyte Plus Blend:
- Sodium Citrate
- Watermelon Juice (as Citrullus Lanatus) (Fruit)
- Potassium Chloride
- Magnesium Oxide
Clinically Proven Weight Loss Ingredient:
- Robusta Coffee Extract (as C, Canephora Robusta) (Bean) (Standardized for 45% Chlorogenic Acids).
Other Ingredients:
Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Malic Acid, Silicon Dioxide, Sucralose, Turmeric (Color), Beetroot Powder (Color), Carrot Powder (Color).
Key Ingredients and Their Purported Benefits
- Robusta Coffee Extract (C. Canephora Robusta): This nonstimulant extract, often referred to as green coffee extract, is high in chlorogenic acids. Research suggests green coffee is linked to small reductions in weight and waist circumference in some studies. In two separate scientific studies, subjects taking the key ingredient (C. canephora robusta) for 60 days lost an average of 10.95 lbs. versus the placebo group, which lost an average of 5.40 lbs. Both groups followed a low-calorie diet. In the second study, subjects taking the key ingredient for 8 weeks lost an average of 3.7 lbs. versus the placebo group, which lost 1.25 lbs. Both groups followed a calorie-reduced diet and performed moderate exercise.
- Coffee Extract (Coffea Robusta): As the main ingredient in Hydroxycut Original, coffee extract supplies caffeine. One serving of Hydroxycut Wildberry Drink Mix contains 135mg of caffeine. Research from 2019 found that increasing caffeine intake was linked to modest reductions in body weight, BMI, and fat mass, with higher doses producing slightly greater effects.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Marketed for appetite suppression and weight loss. One 2018 study showed slightly more weight loss with ACV plus a calorie-restricted diet, but overall, evidence is limited and mixed.
- Plum Extract: Plums are a highly nutritious and fiber-filled fruit. However, there is no evidence that supports its role in weight loss when used in supplements. It contains sorbitol, which may cause temporary water loss via laxative effects.
- Baobab Extract: Baobab is a fruit that comes from the baobab tree. Baobab extract may increase satiety (fullness) and help regulate blood glucose, according to very limited research. However, no evidence supports its effectiveness for weight loss at typical supplement doses.
- Cardamom: A 2021 review found that cardamom may help with weight loss and other health issues by reducing inflammation, lowering blood sugar, and improving cholesterol levels.
- B Vitamins: Hydroxycut Original also contains several added vitamins, including thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. These vitamins are included to support energy metabolism. They may benefit people with deficiencies but are unlikely to promote weight loss in healthy individuals.
- Electrolytes: Electrolyte Plus Blend includes Potassium Chloride, Coconut Water (as: Cocos Nucifera) (Fruit), Watermelon Juice (as: Citrullus Lanatus) (Fruit). Electrolytes are important for maintaining fluid balance and hydration, which can be beneficial during exercise and weight loss efforts.
Effectiveness of Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut relies on research of individual ingredients to support the supplement’s claims. While some ingredients in Hydroxycut Original may have modest effects on weight or appetite, there’s currently insufficient evidence to suggest that taking supplements containing these ingredients will result in meaningful weight loss.
Safety and Side Effects
There isn’t any research on Hydroxycut products to definitively say that the supplements are safe to take, especially for an extended period. There have been reports of unwanted side effects such as jitters, rapid heart rate, nausea, and liver damage.
History of Safety Concerns
Hydroxycut Original used to contain ephedra, a powerful stimulant. In 2004, the FDA banned ephedra because it caused serious side effects. In fact, about 155 deaths are believed to have been caused by supplements that contained ephedra, including Hydroxycut.
Several years later, in 2009, Hydroxycut was recalled because of numerous case reports of hepatotoxicity (liver poisoning) and other serious adverse effects. In 2010, Hydroxycut returned to the market with a new formula.
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Still, there have been several reports of dangerous side effects in recent years, even with the current formulation, particularly in regards to liver injury. Furthermore, yohimbe, an ingredient found in Hydroxycut Hardcore, has been associated with heart attacks and seizures and may interact with certain antidepressant medications.
Potential Side Effects from Caffeine
Different Hydroxycut products contain different amounts of caffeine. For example, each serving of Hydroxycut Wildberry Drink Mix contains 135 mg of caffeine. Taking more than recommended may cause you to consume toxic levels of caffeine (more than 15 mg/kg of body weight, according to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements).
Caffeine in general can cause nervousness, jitteriness, and shakiness.
Dosage and Recommendations
Hydroxycut recommends gradually increasing your daily dosage. The recommended dose varies by product, so it’s important to read the label carefully.
Alternatives to Hydroxycut
If you’re looking for long-term results, it’s better to focus on sustainable lifestyle habits such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.
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