Popular Weight-loss Supplement OxyElite Pro Linked to Hepatitis and Liver Failure

Popular weight loss supplement OxyElite Pro has been linked to liver failure and severe hepatitis by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

About 29 people were diagnosed with acute hepatitis in Hawaii, out of which one died, two patients underwent liver transplant and 11 were hospitalized, according to the FDA. Above 80 percent of these people were consumers of the weight-loss supplement OxyElite Pro. They consumed this dietary substitute for about 60 days prior to getting diagnosed with the disease.

"The cluster of liver issues is a complete mystery and nothing like this has ever been associated with OxyElite Pro," the company mentioned in a statement in an e-mail this Tuesday.

Medics and public health agencies were ordered by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to ask the patients diagnosed with severe liver diseases and hepatitis whether they consumed any product related to muscle building or weight loss. Various cases were reported from outside Hawaii and the patients claimed consuming supplements of OxyElite Pro.

The CDC, FDA and DOH (Hawaii Department of Health) are investigating the issue further. The FDA is analyzing the product samples in Hawaii and the place where this supplement is produced. There will be a delay in getting comments by these organizations because of the government shutdown.

The company, on the other hand, told the FDA that it believes its product is being duplicated and sold in the U.S. markets.

The company has stopped dietary supplements in the U.S. and the sales will not restart till the case is not completely investigated.

"We're calling for stores to voluntary remove this product from their shelves," said Janice Okubo, a public information officer with Hawaii's state health department, according to a USA Today report.

The mystery behind these acute hepatitis cases and liver failure is yet to be unveiled.