I've heard a lot about this supplement called "Ripped Fuel." Can you tell me if it's effective, or safe?  —Tad Davis, San Diego, Calif.

As with the "original" Ripped Fuel (which has since been banned by the FDA for containing ephedrine), the "new" Ripped Fuel Extreme has caffeine as its main ingredient. However, in lieu of ephedra, Ripped Fuel Extreme has Cayenne fruit extract and L-Carnitine. I personally have not received any favorable feedback to the efficacy of the new product. Many athletes have shared with me that it falls short of the results that its predecessor was "famous" (or depending on who you are asking) "infamous" for. I personally do not believe that it is necessary to add this type of a supplement to your exercise routine.