D-ribose benefits include improved energy, workout intensity and recovery, protection for the heart and hormone regulation.
This natural compound is involved in the very important metabolic pathway known as the pentose phosphate pathway. It plays a key role in energy production for the entire body as well as the synthesis of genetic material.
Taking D-ribose offers health benefits for those with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and various other conditions and diseases.
For these patients, research shows that D-ribose resulted in a 44.7% increase in energy, and a 30% increase in life quality, within the first three weeks of supplementation. In that same study, more than 67% of the subjects reported that they felt significantly more energetic, and felt more optimistic about life in general.
D-ribose acts within the mitochondria of cells, providing the basic fuel necessary to accommodate cellular metabolism. D-ribose is a pentose monosaccharide (simple sugar) that is made in the human body, and occurs prevalently throughout nature.
D-ribose is necessary for the production of DNA, RNA, ATP and various other substances including fatty acids and hormones. In addition to boosting energy and quality of life, D-ribose supplementation is being tested for its therapeutic capacities and as a pre and post-workout supplement for bodybuilders and athletes.
Currently, there are no standardized recommendations from the FDA concerning D-ribose usage.



- Helps increase ATP production for energy
- Cardioprotective & decreases fatigue
- Improves workout recovery time & output
D-ribose Benefits for Health
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Every human experiences changes in the efficiency of their metabolic functioning.
These fluctuations are caused by a variety of factors including lifestyle choices, diet, health history, genetic predispositions, current state of health and more.
In many cases of disease, the capillary walls through which blood is transported become thickened, making it more difficult for oxygen molecules to permeate them.
This also causes difficulties moving O2 from the blood into the muscles. In turn, this causes a slowing of energy synthesis and chronic O2 deficiencies in the musculature.
In many other cases involving lacking energy conditions, the mitochondria are found to not be functioning efficiently. They are unable to meet the demands of the cells concerning energy production.
This may be linked to deficiencies in D-ribose for some patients. Additionally, the cells are likely to be deficient in needed nutrients, and therefore unable to convert ingested foods into available energy to accommodate metabolism.
Energy starvation of the tissues can result, along with an array of resulting conditions and symptoms. Over time, energy levels can become severely depleted.
In cases of fibromyalgia and CFS, more energy is needed than can be generated, leading to a chronic lack of energy and resulting muscle stiffness, pain, soreness and fatigue. As the muscles try to recover from the stiffness and pain, more energy is required – and the cycle of degradation continues.
Nothing can correct this energetic imbalance except to stimulate the proper functioning of the mitochondria, where energy synthesis is accommodated. For these patients, D-ribose has been found beneficial for increasing energy metabolism and improving the function of heart and skeletal muscles.
Possible Results of Mitochondrial Dysfunction
If the mitochondria remain in states of chronic dysfunction, any or all of the following side effects may result:
- Suppression of hypothalamic functioning;
- Poor dopamine, acetylcholine and serotonin signaling efficiency, leading to chronic mental fatigue;
- Decreased capacity for liver detoxification, possibly causing hypersensitivity to various prescription medications;
- Accumulation of excessive amounts of muscular lactic acid, lessening recovery and healing abilities and increasing post exercise fatigue;
- Poor digestive capacities, leading to inefficient nutrient assimilation;
- Low-performing leucocytes (white blood cells), leading to increased probabilities for developing bacterial and/or viral infections;
- Weakening of the heart muscle and increases in heart dysfunction on various levels;
- Inhibiting the filtration capacities of the kidneys, leading to toxic agent buildups in the blood;
- Various other adverse possible effects and conditions…
D-ribose Improves Energy Restoration
There are various sugars that the human body burns along with oxygen to generate energy.
Sucrose, lactose, glucose and other sugars are used for fueling numerous metabolic functions. Because these fuels are used constantly, they are known to create toxic by-products in the body.
Ribose is a sugar that the body recognizes as special. When it is detected, it is preserved and utilized for the integral work of fueling the brain, heart, musculature and other bodily tissues.
Every cell requires adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in order to function. When ATP is not being produced in sufficient amounts it can result in inadequate energy supply to our cells. When the individual cells that comprise organs and tissues cannot generate energy, the result is a feeling of fatigue, lethargy and idleness.
D-ribose is an integral constituent necessary for the synthesis of ATP. Without ribose available for ATP synthesis, no ATP is generated. For this reason, when bodily tissues become starved for energy, D-ribose is crucial to recovery, and a return to adequate levels of cellular energy.
Studies have shown that taking between 5 – 15 grams a day of D-ribose powder can improve cardiac function, restore energy levels in stressed muscles, and enhance athletic performance. D-ribose benefits also include anti-oxidant protection. This supplement has been found to reduce the formation of free radical particles in oxygen-depressive tissues.
Users further report increased mental energy, alertness and drive in addition to the physical benefits. Bodybuilders often say that taking D-ribose supplements allows them to work out with heavy weights more frequently as they experience less muscle soreness in between workouts.
D-ribose In Review
D-ribose is a pentose sugar that is integral for the production of cellular energy. It is used to stimulate and accommodate ATP synthesis and is therefore vital for increasing energy, combating the onset of various conditions that may result from mitochondrial dysfunction, and improving overall life quality.
D-ribose is a natural substance, created in the heart and other muscles, that is known to be very safe for human supplementation in the majority of cases. Always talk with a doctor before beginning supplementation to gain D-ribose benefits.
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- Kreider RB, Melton C, Greenwood M, Rasmussen C, Lundberg J, Earnest C, Almada A. Effects of oral D-ribose supplementation on anaerobic capacity and selected metabolic markers in healthy males. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003
- Nishiyama J, Ueki M, Asaga T, Chujo K, Maekawa N. Protective action of D-ribose against renal injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion in rats with transient hyperglycemia. Tohoku J Exp Med. 2009
- Omran H, McCarter D, St Cyr J, Lüderitz B. D-ribose aids congestive heart failure patients. Exp Clin Cardiol. 2004
- Wei Y, Han CS, Zhou J, Liu Y, Chen L, He RQ. D-ribose in glycation and protein aggregation. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012
Article last updated on: May 11th, 2018 by Nootriment