What does it do?
Ribose is a type of sugar normally made in the body from glucose. Ribose plays important
roles in the synthesis of RNA, DNA, and the energy-containing substance adenosine triphosphate
(ATP).
According to preliminary animal and human research, ribose supplementation speeds up
regeneration of ATP in muscle cells of the heart or elsewhere in the body when those cells
have been deprived of oxygen.1 2 3 4
Where is it found?
Ribose is present in small amounts in many foods of plant or animal origin.
Ribose has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
Ribose is not an essential nutrient, therefore deficiencies do not occur.
How much is usually taken?
Sports supplement manufacturers recommend 1 to 10 grams per day of ribose.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No known side effects have been reported from the use of ribose when consumed in amounts of
less than 10 grams per day. Larger amounts may cause gastrointestinal distress such as
diarrhea,5 and may lower glucose levels,6 although it is not known
whether symptoms of hypoglycemia might result.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with ribose.
References
1. Zimmer HG, Ibel H, Suchner U, Schad H. Ribose intervention in the
cardiac pentose phosphate pathway is not species-specific. Science
1984;223:712–4.
2. Zimmer HG, Ibel H. Ribose accelerates the repletion of the ATP pool
during recovery from reversible ischemia of the rat myocardium. J Mol Cell Cardiol
1984;16:863–6.
3. Kavazis AN, Sobota JS, Kivipelto J, et al. Ribose supplementation in
maximally exercising Thoroughbreds. Equine Vet J Suppl 2002;34:191–6.
4. Pauly DF, Pepine CJ. D-Ribose as a supplement for cardiac energy
metabolism. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2000;5:249–58.
5. Gross M, Reiter S, Zollner N. Metabolism of D-ribose administered
continuously to healthy persons and to patients with myoadenylate deaminase deficiency.
Klin Wochenschr 1989;67:1205–13.
6. Gross M, Zollner N. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, and C-peptide
during long-term D-ribose administration in man. Klin Wochenschr
1991;69:31–6.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.