D-ribose for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Benefits & Dosages

The use of D-ribose for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is reported to improve symptoms and increase a sense of well-being in patients. According to one research study, taking 5 grams of D-ribose powder three times daily has been found to boost energy levels and improve sleep.

D-ribose (C5H10O5) [1] (also known simply as ribose) is a carbohydrate (sugar) naturally manufactured by the human body. This sugar is important for all living organisms: It is necessary for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which acts as a source of energy for maintaining cellular function and health.

Ribose is also an important component of RNA, or ribonucleic acid. As a component of RNA, it is involved in genetic transcription (the process during which DNA is copied before it is used as a blueprint to make protein).

Although it plays many important roles in the human body, D-ribose is not considered an essential nutrient because it can be manufactured by the body using glucose and other nutrients. You do not need to eat specific foods to receive sufficient amounts of D-ribose.

D-ribose is used for a number of indications, including muscle recovery, athletic performance, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia and muscle cramping. This article focuses on the effects and benefits of D-ribose for chronic fatigue syndrome.

D-Ribose

Energy Supplement

Fatigue

Exercise Capacity

Workout Recovery

How It Works:

• Helps increase ATP production for energy
• Cardioprotective & decreases fatigue
• Improves workout recovery time & output

Dosage:

Between 5 - 20 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is a complex disease that has only recently been taken seriously by the medical community. It is characterized by extreme and prolonged fatigue that causes the patient to remain in bed for long periods of time.

It can also cause persistent muscle weakness/pain, difficulty concentrating and remembering, headaches and/or migraines and increase one’s susceptibility to illnesses and weakness. [2]

Individuals diagnosed with CFS may also experience sore throats, tender lymph nodes in their armpits or necks and mood disorders that range from anxiety and depression to panic attacks and phobias.

Preliminary research suggests that D-ribose supplements can improve CFS symptoms and user reviews report increased energy levels and better moods. however, it has not been approved as a treatment for this condition by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Causes of CFS

Physicians have yet to pinpoint an exact cause of CFS, but suspect that it may result from a combination of trauma, stress, immune system disorders, hormone disruptions and certain infections. [3]

Viral and fungal infections that have been implicated in CFS include:

• Enterovirus
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Human herpesvirus 6
• Rubella (German measles)
• Bornaviruses
• Mycoplasma (causes atypical pneumonia)
• Yeast infections (Candida albicans)

Traditional Treatment Methods for CFS

Chronic fatigue syndrome has no cure. Instead, symptoms are managed with medications, exercise therapy/physiotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and natural supplements like D-ribose powder.

A new type of treatment called pragmatic rehabilitation is being explored as a means to relieve the fatigue experienced by people with CFS; however, this treatment option has yet to be substantiated. [4] [6]

Symptoms associated with CFS may last as long as five years. The duration of CFS varies considerably and is highly unpredictable.

CFS affects four times as many women as men and seems especially prevalent in women in their 30s and 40s. It is rare for children to be diagnosed with CFS.

D-Ribose and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Researchers suspect that CFS may involve a deficiency in cellular ATP. Because D-ribose is involved in ATP production, it is being investigated as a treatment for CFS and is used by individuals suffering from the condition.

In a study examining the effects of D-ribose on CFS patients, 62 % of the participants who took D-ribose reported increases in energy; 37 % reported an improvement in general well being; 30 % said their concentration and memory improved; and almost 30 % reported improvements in sleep patterns.

In addition, D-ribose supplements were well tolerated and did not cause any reported side effects. [5]

Another study evaluated the effects of D-ribose in 41 people with fibromyalgia and CFS. After three weeks of supplementation, patients were given questionnaires asking about their sleep, energy, pain intensity, well-being and mental clarity.

Sixty-six percent of the CSF and fibromyalgia patients reported significant improvements in symptoms while they were taking D-ribose. Nearly 50 % reported noticeable increase in energy. [6]

D-ribose Dosage for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Studies investigating the relationship between D-ribose and CFS have typically involved 5 g doses of D-ribose administered twice a day. In some studies, positive results have been achieved at dosages of 5 grams taken three times daily.

Coronary heart disease patients have been given 15 g several times a day to be used in conjunction with exercise. [7]

Speak with your physician to establish an appropriate D-ribose dose for your particular CFS symptoms.

Other Uses of D-Ribose

D-ribose supplements are also used for several related conditions that involve low energy levels, muscular pain or mood disruptions.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that often exacerbates coronary artery disease (CAD). Studies have shown that ischemia (an inadequate supply of blood to the heart) reduces myocardial metabolism and contributes to significant decreases in cellular ATP production. [2]

When patients suffering from CAD/CHF were given D-ribose, levels of myocardial ATP production increased. The resulting surge of ATP improves heart function and helps moderate blood pressure.

D-ribose may also improve the appearance of aging skin by promoting regeneration of ATP in skin cells. Dermal ATP levels naturally decline with age, which prevents cells from manufacturing collagen or elastin fibers responsible for firm, supple skin.

When fed D-ribose, human skin cells appear to regenerate, even after their normal chemical processes have slowed due to aging. [8]

Interactions with D-ribose

D-ribose may interact with a number of compounds, including:

• Insulin/diabetic medications: D-ribose may reduce blood sugar, taking D-ribose with insulin may cause hypoglycemia.
• Alcohol: Drinking while taking D-ribose may cause hypoglycemia because both alcohol and D-ribose can lower blood sugar levels.
• Aspirin: D-ribose combined with Aspirin may result in a hypoglycemic reaction.
• Propranolol (anti-hypertensive medication): May cause hypoglycemia when combined with D-ribose.

This is not a complete list of possible interactions. Speak with your doctor before taking D-ribose for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to make sure the supplement is right for you.

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