Brief History

• The New York-based company Twinlab released its Ripped Fuel brand as the latest addition to its sports supplement family in the mid-1990's. While the company had previously struggled with financial problems following the decline of liquid protein sales, a re-energized Twinlab created the bodybuilding magazine Muscular Development to serve the fitness community's needs and showcase its products. Thanks to smart marketing tactics, Ripped Fuel began selling well.
  
  

What's In a Bottle?

• Ripped Fuel contains 250 milligrams of the essential amino acid L-phenylalanine, a purported natural antidepressant. In addition, 910 milligrams of Guarana extract--common in many energy drinks--is used to boost energy since the plant's fruit contains twice the caffeine as coffee beans. L-carnitine (100mg) and chromium picolinate (200mg) are said to aid in the breakdown of fats, while small amounts of Cayenne pepper, ginger root powder and caffeine are all added to boost fat metabolism and energy levels.
  
  

What It's For?

• Ripped Fuel is marketed by Twinlab as a thermogenic supplement, which means it is meant to be used to give the consumer a highly potent "kick," a spike in energy levels which is said to boost workout endurance. This works also to aid in the breakdown of body fats. As the exerciser is allowed longer workouts more calories are burned, an effect that is magnified through the inclusion of the chromium picolinate and L-carnitine.
  
  

The Good & Bad

• Ripped Fuel received some much-publicized negative press over the original formula's inclusion of Ephedra, an extract of the herb Ma Huang. Ephedrine, the name of the chemical in the herb, involuntarily boosts heart rate in individuals and causes many adverse reactions. In some cases, prolonged consumption of ephedrine is fatal. The additive was banned by several pro and college athletic organizations and officially banned from use in any supplement in 2003.
  
  

Warning

• Ripped Fuel, as well as all supplements, aren't regulated by the Food & Drug Administration since they cannot be classified as food or medicine. The supplement industry and the FDA reached an agreement in the late 1990's that allowed supplement manufacturers like Twinlab to make any label claims they wished, as long as the product didn't claim to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. The FDA urges consumers to practice discretion when taking any dietary supplement.