D-ribose Powder Effects, Uses and Dangers

D-ribose is the D enantiomer of ribose, an organic simple sugar called a pentose monosaccharide (C5H10O5). Simply stated, enantiomers are mirror image molecules. In the case of ribose, the D enantiomer occurs prevalently in nature and is integral for human health on various levels.

Ribose is a carbon-based epimer of arabinose, a sugar sourced from gum arabic. Deoxyribose helps to form DNA. Other derivatives of ribose serve to provide structure for RNA, NADH, cAMP, cGMP, GTP and ATP.

The human body is able to manufacture ribose internally, but in some instances taking supranutritional dosages can improve health. Ribose is also used for a variety of therapeutic purposes by physicians and clinicians, and to enhance athletic performance on several levels.

D-ribose acts to promote mitochondrial functioning; boosting intramuscular energy and providing treatment for conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), coronary artery disease and fibromyalgia to name a few.

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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Why Use D-Ribose?

D-ribose supplementation can prevent muscle cramping, soreness and stiffness after periods of physical exercise.

It is especially effective at improving muscle health and performance in those with MAD (myoadenylate deaminase deficiency), or AMP deaminase deficiency.

Ribose is also used as an adjunct therapy to enhance exercisability in those with McArdle’s disease. Intravenous D-ribose injections are used for imaging the damages from coronary artery disease to the heart muscle.

It is under continual clinical experimentation addressing its possible therapeutic capacities to:

• Enhance the heart’s ability to manage blood flow fluctuations in those with coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• Improve the sleep cycles, energy levels and overall well-being of those with CFS;
• Improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the quality of life for people with congestive heart failure;
• Improve heart functioning during and after surgeries, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures;
• Improve sleep, energy and well-being, as well as reduce pain, for those with fibromyalgia;
• Improve the symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome;
• Decrease incidences of seizures and improve behavioral patterns of epileptics.

D-ribose and Mitochondrial Functioning

Conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are caused by energy crises, which subsequently cause a variety of downstream side effects.

Some of these possible effects include muscle pain, muscle soreness, muscle stiffness, hypothalamic dysfunction, imbalanced hormones, insomnia, proneness to infections, inability to detoxify the liver and/or lessened heart functioning capacities. In many cases, these symptoms can be traced to mitochondrial dysfunction.

The mitochondria of every cell are responsible for energy production. They act as little furnaces inside the cells which burn calories and produce energy. The individual cells throughout the body act to generate energy and provide the fuel needed to accommodate all the many cellular functions.

When the mitochondria function well, we experience decreased fatigue, increased energy, increased endurance, decreased healing times, enhanced adaptogenic responses and overall increased well-being.

Current clinical research confirms that various factors affect human energy levels and cause fatigue. Associated complications including muscular pain, depression and chronic heart problems may result.

In non-athletes, it can be very taxing to regenerate depleted cellular energy. Recovering from chronic fatigue and stress are difficult without developing mitochondrial efficacy. D-ribose acts naturally to enhance the efficiency of mitochondria, thereby increasing energy and recharging the heart and other muscles.

Safety and Side Effects of D-ribose Supplementation

As a natural substance that is produced in the body, D-ribose is known to be likely safe for most individuals.

However, there are some cases of side effects including nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, low blood sugar and/or headache. No serious or long-term D-ribose side effects are known.

D-ribose Warnings

There is not sufficient clinical proof available to warrant D-ribose supplementation as safe for pregnant and/or nursing women. Also, anyone taking diabetes medications should not use D-ribose as it may lower blood-glucose levels excessively.

Further, those with low blood pressure conditions should not this supplement as blood pressure may drop to unsafe levels. Finally, those scheduled for surgeries should stop using D-ribose at least two weeks before the procedures.

Drinking alcohol with ribose may also cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Likewise, it is not recommended for use with large doses of aspirin because it may cause hypoglycemia. Also, Trilisate (choline magnesium trisalicylate) may interact with D-ribose to cause unsafe blood-glucose drops. Further, propranolol (Inderal) and salsalate (Disalcid), when used in conjunction with ribose, may lower blood-glucose too much.

D-ribose Dosing

In studies involving subjects with coronary artery disease, D-ribose supplementation of 15 grams, four times daily, has been experimented with. Also, to relieve muscle cramping and stiffness, 3 grams of D-ribose has been administered every ten minutes until symptoms subsided. As with any type of supplementation, D-ribose should be used only with your doctor’s permission.

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