Shop products for Ribose 
What is it?
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
Ribose has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Rating | Health Concerns |
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary
studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but
minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal
health benefit. | |
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 diarrhoea,5 and may lower glucose levels,6 although it is not known whether symptoms of hypoglycaemia 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.
