Ripped Fuel is an ephedra-free dietary supplement marketed by TwinLab as a fat-burning weight loss alternative. Ripped Fuel had previously contained ephedra as part of it's thermogenic formula prior to the 2004 ban on ephedra-containing supplements by the Federal Drug Administration. While not considered dangerous, ephedra-free Ripped Fuel is not federally regulated because it is considered a dietary supplement. Like all dietary supplements, there is an inherent risk of experiencing potentially harmful side effects when taking Ripped Fuel.
Caffeine Side Effects
One of the primary active ingredients of Ripped Fuel is a high dose of caffeine. According to Twinlab.com, a single capsule of ephedra-free Ripped Fuel Extreme contains approximately 220 mg of caffeine. The manufacturers' recommended dosage is two capsules of Ripped Fuel Extreme two times a day. To put this into perspective, the average cup of drip coffee contains almost 120 mg of caffeine which means that two capsules of Ripped Fuel Extreme is nearly the equivalent of four cups of coffee. If you followed the recommended dosage you would be consuming nearly 900 mg of caffeine per day. According to MayoClinic.com, heavy caffeine usage, which is defined as more than 500 to 600 mg of caffeine per day, can result in significant side effects. These side effects include nervousness, jitters, accelerated or irregular heart beat, insomnia, gastrointestinal pain, headaches and anxiety. These effects can also be magnified if you are taking these supplements while consuming other caffeinated products. Consult your primary care physician if you are considering taking any alternative weight-loss or diet supplement.
Chromium Side Effects
The ephedra-free Ripped Fuel formula also contains 200 mcg, of chromium polynicotinate. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chromium is an important factor used for the metabolism of glucose into energy. Research shows that most people are nutritionally deficient in chromium intake and that it may be a contributing factor to some chronic diseases including obesity and diabetes. Chromium has been increasingly added to sport-related supplements, like ephedra-free Ripped Fuel, to promote muscle-building and weight-loss even though there is relatively little documented evidence to support its use. Some of the side effects associated with chromium consumption include stomach aches and pains, irregular heart beat and potential liver and kidney damage.
L-Carnitine Side Effects
Another active ingredient in ephedra-free Ripped Fuel is a substance called L-carnitine. According to the University of Maryland, L-carnitine is an important nutrient that is used to convert fat into energy. L-carnitine is not considered an essential nutrient because most people can synthesize the compound naturally in their body. Some of the clinical uses of L-carnitine include the treatment of heart conditions like angina and heart attack, diabetic neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease, male infertility and weight loss. There are minimal side effects associated with L-carnitine consumption however there is a potential for complicated interactions with other medications. If you are considering supplementing your diet with an alternative additive like ephedra-free Ripped Fuel, you should first consult your doctor to minimize any potential complications.
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