Supplementation of D-ribose for fibromyalgia (FM) shows strong clinical proof for reduction of symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition that is symptomized by muscular pain, especially when the muscles receive pressurized tactile stimulation.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is an extension of fibromyalgia that addresses other symptoms in addition to the muscular pain of fibromyalgia proper. D-ribose supplements are reported to reduce pain symptoms while improving both physical and mental energy levels in patients with FM.
The specific cause of FM/FMS is unknown, although it is widely believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological and neurobiological factors.
In general, fibromyalgia is believed to result from impaired or lacking ability of cellular mitochondria to generate and replenish energy. Without energy constantly available, cells cannot function and begin to die off. It is also often accompanied by chronic fatigue syndrome.
More than 300 clinical studies have shown that D-ribose is integral for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main energy source. Research trials and user reviews also demonstrate that the use of D-ribose powder can control many of the common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, improving quality of life for patients.



- Helps increase ATP production for energy
- Cardioprotective & decreases fatigue
- Improves workout recovery time & output
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome
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Much like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia syndrome is a condition of long-term impairment of physical performance.
Besides the intense pain throughout the muscular system that is very often present, there are also the following possible FMS symptoms:
- Muscle soreness and stiffness;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Painful joints;
- Tingling and numbness;
- Brain fog and various other types of cognitive dysfunction;
- Issues with digestion, defecation and urination;
- Anxiety and depression;
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
D-ribose for Fibromyalgia
The symptoms of FMS are believed widely to be results of mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction results when cellular mitochondria are impaired in some way to inhibit the production of energy.
The mitochondria are present in every cell and are used to metabolize glucose and fats to make energy in order to perform their numerous cellular duties. The energy from mitochondrial metabolism also acts to maintain the life and health of the individual cells. Unhealthy cells make bad calorie furnaces, and inefficient furnaces do not generate adequate levels of energy.
D-ribose is closely connected with the body’s ability to synthesize energy. It is a key component of certain energy-producing pathways. Taking D-ribose for fibromyalgia may improve the body’s ability to generate energy and counteract certain effects of the disease.
When energy levels are consistently lacking on a cellular level, the organs or tissues that those cells comprise are directly affected too. For instance, if all the cells in the heart muscle are experiencing difficulties metabolizing energy for individual functioning, the result is diminished circulatory function.
When the cells of any organ or tissue are not healthy and functioning properly due to a lack of energy, the results can affect numerous bodily systems and components.
How D-ribose Enhances ATP Synthesis
ATP is generated throughout muscular system, especially in the heart muscle.
The heart has roughly 10 seconds’ supply of ATP at any given moment. It needs to constantly regenerate ATP in order to meet the demands for energy mandated by the cells.
Without adequate amounts of available ATP, the cells suffer from lacking fuel and cannot perform their duties, or even sustain their life forces.
The body requires D-ribose to manufacture new ATP as part of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. In general, the ATP cellular energy process goes as follows:
- Cells experience a demand for energy;
- ATP is converted to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and energy is released;
- Normally, the ADP is sent back through the mitochondria in order to phosphorylate it back to ATP for subsequent use;
- In times of high energy demand, the ADP may be further converted to AMP (adenosine monophosphate) for energy;
While it is simple and quick to phosphorylate ADP to ATP, it is not simple or quick to convert
- AMP back into ATP;
- It is more energetically feasible for the body to synthesize all-new ATP instead of converting the AMP;
D-ribose is necessary to generate ATP and allow this cycle to continue.
Clinical Proof for D-ribose Use
In a recent clinical study on D-ribose for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, 67% of the subjects showed strong improvements in their physical condition.
The study examined a total of 41 subjects with FMS and/or CFS. 5 grams of D-ribose was supplemented daily until 280 grams were ingested. D-ribose supplementation was very well tolerated, generating no negative side effects.
Significant improvements of all five VAS (visual analog scale) considerations were achieved in the group given D-ribose powder. VAS considerations are sleep, pain intensity, energy levels, mental clarity and overall well-being.
According to this study, the average increase in energy levels was 45% and the average increase in self-reported well-being was 30. These findings are backed up by the large number of online user reviews citing benefits from taking D-ribose for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Is D-ribose Safe?
D-ribose is a natural pentose sugar that can be manufactured by the human body. It is known to be safe for usage and present only mild and short-lasting side effects, if any at all.
There are some possible contraindications with antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs. Please speak with your doctor about supplementing D-ribose for fibromyalgia if you are considering it.
- Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2006
- Kerksick C, Rasmussen C, Bowden R, Leutholtz B, Harvey T, Earnest C, Greenwood M, Almada A, Kreider R. Effects of ribose supplementation prior to and during intense exercise on anaerobic capacity and metabolic markers. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005
- Seifert JG, Subudhi AW, Fu MX, Riska KL, John JC, Shecterle LM, St Cyr JA. The role of ribose on oxidative stress during hypoxic exercise: a pilot study. J Med Food. 2009
- Patten BM. Beneficial effect of D-ribose in patient with myoadenylate deaminase deficiency. Lancet. 1982
- Hellsten Y, Skadhauge L, Bangsbo J. Effect of ribose supplementation on resynthesis of adenine nucleotides after intense intermittent training in humans. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2004
Article last updated on: May 11th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
FM pain is caused when the blood shunts in your veins, near the skin, are strangled by your nerve endings. This is why the pain is on a scale of 1 to 10, a 30. My first attack caused me to want to shoot myself. It was the most horrible pain possible. I constantly told my Dr., I feel as if every cell in my body is void of nutrition and energy. When I read that D-ribose caused our cells to take in nutrition, I knew I had found the answer. Twenty minutes after my first 5gm dose, I stopped dying. I knew that this was going to save my life.
The FM pain started to decrease slowly. Two years later, it’s down to a mass of tingle to nothing at all.
I no longer wake up at 3:00a.m. for no reason. I sleep 8 to 10 hours a day and wake up refreshed. I still can’t work hard for 10 minutes and not feel my cells drained but as I don’t do that, I’m fine.