D-ribose Side Effects, Safety Warnings & Contraindications

Clinical research shows that D-ribose side effects are nearly nonexistent.

D-ribose is a pentose monosaccharide sugar that the body manufactures and uses for the most vital metabolic functions.

While other sugars like glucose, sucrose and lactose are used to fuel numerous bodily functions, D-ribose is a specialized fuel that is reserved for energizing the integral functions of the brain, other organs, the heart and other muscles.

D-ribose is also a base constituent in RNA, DNA and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the body’s primary energy source and is utilized by every cell constantly. ATP fuels intracellular actions from mitochondria, empowering individual cells to metabolize caloric energy and thereby accommodate their intended functioning.

As a supplement, D-ribose powder is used by bodybuilders, athletes and health-conscious individuals who want to improve their fitness and energy levels. It promotes increased athletic work output, improved recovery times following an intense workout and increases exercise tolerance.

Other studies have shown that it can improve diastolic function of the heart muscle, restore energy levels in skeletal muscle and raise the quality of life for patients with heart disease and other conditions linked to low energy levels.

While there are some potential negative effects of D-ribose when combined with certain drugs or used by individuals with certain health conditions, it is generally well tolerated by the majority of users.

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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How D-ribose Affects Mitochondrial Energy Synthesis

Mitochondria are the energy production centers in cells. They act as tiny furnaces, burning caloric fuel and creating the energy necessary to power numerous functions of cellular metabolism.

Cellular mitochondria function primarily via the body’s most prevalent energy source: adenosine triphosphate, ATP for short. Every living cell requires ATP to fuel its actions.

Brain cells require ATP to accommodate mental clarity. Heart muscle cells require ATP to establish and maintain efficient beat rhythm and strength. Lung cells require ATP to accommodate filtrated breathing. Skeletal muscles require ATP to contract, exert power and coordinate motion.

When ATP is not present in sufficient quantities, individual cells in organs, muscles and other tissues throughout the body become unable to perform adequately. In many cases, some of the first symptoms to onset include muscle pains, muscle soreness, muscle stiffness and chronic fatigue.

With time, as the musculature issues become more pronounced, the symptoms can worsen. As cells continue to experience an energy deficit, they require more energy to heal and recover. However, not enough energy can be generated because of the mitochondrial dysfunction, and the cycle and side effects continue to perpetuate.

Side Effects of Insufficient D-ribose

Without sufficient D-ribose available, not enough ATP is able to be generated. This can lead to chronic mitochondrial dysfunctioning, and the following side effects:

• Disrupting proper hypothalamic functioning;
• Inhibiting the signaling powers of dopamine, acetylcholine and serotonin;
• Preventing proper liver and/or kidney detoxification;
• Degrading heart health and causing heart dysfunction;
• Onsett of energy-based conditions like fibromyalgia and CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome);
• Causing digestive issues and lacking capacities to derive and absorb nutrients from foods;
• Building up lactic acid in the musculature, causing diminished healing and recovery capacities;
• Tearing down the heart muscle, significantly increasing the probability for heart disease.

Research confirms the hypothesis that lacking mitochondrial functioning, and its resulting side effects, can in part be attributable to insufficient amounts of bioavailable D-ribose. D-ribose is a primary constituent of ATP. No ATP can be generated without it.

Therefore, in instances of mitochondrial inability to synthesize ATP, D-ribose supplementation is warranted. By increasing the bioavailable supply of D-ribose, mitochondria are able to synthesize and utilize ATP, thereby eliminating ATP deficiencies and restoring normal functioning levels.

D-ribose Method of Action

D-ribose is used to produce 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP).

PRPP regulates the actions of the Purine Nucleotide Pathway (PNP) which is the primary signaling pathway for all energy synthesis.

Without sufficient amounts of D-ribose (PRPP), energy production slows and the capacities of bodily tissues to repair are decreased largely.

Supplementation with D-ribose stimulates PNP activity and thereby is effective at replenishing energy levels. And when ATP synthesis is reestablished at healthy levels, the side effects of mitochondrial dysfunction are greatly reduced.

D-ribose Side Effects

As D-ribose is a natural substance that the human body creates in the heart and other muscles, it is believed to be generally safe for supplementation purposes. In rare cases, short-term and mild effects may be experienced including nausea, diarrhea, headaches, low blood pressure and/or low blood sugar.

More serious possible side effects can occur via contraindication between D-ribose supplements and certain commonly prescribed medications; especially antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs. D-ribose may act to lower blood pressure and/or blood glucose levels.

Also, because of its blood sugar and blood pressure-reducing properties, D-ribose is not recommended for surgery candidates. Discontinue ribose supplementation at least 2 weeks prior to any surgery.

Further, D-ribose side effects are not understood well enough currently to warrant general usage by pregnant or nursing mothers. More clinical evidence is underway to determine the total therapeutic values and effects of D-ribose.

If you are considering ribose supplementation, then please consult with your family doctor first. Make sure that you are not at risk for D-ribose side effects or contraindications.

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