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What Are The Benefits Of Ribose?

In addition to improving post exercise recovery and energy levels, there are thought to be other benefits of ribose.

Benefits & Properties Of Ribose Include

  • Anti Anxiety
  • Stress Relieving
  • Non Sedating
  • Possible Anti Depressant Properties

D-ribose As A Supplement

D-ribose for exercise including body building

D-ribose is becoming increasingly popular with athletes and body builders.

As a supplement it can increase the rate ATP is generated which is thought to bring an improvement in exercise performance. It is also thought that supplementing with d-ribose can increase the rate of muscle growth. A typical dose for a body builder would be 5grams daily.

D-ribose Side Effects

In some cases d-ribose may lead to

  • hypoglycemia
  • hyeruricemia
  • headache
  • nausea
  • diarrhea

D-ribose For Fatigue & CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

One defining symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is 'post exertional malaise'. This is a malaise or feelings of fatigue and general ill health which usually occurs 24-72 hours after exercise or exertion. One theory suggests that a delay or reduction in ATP production brings on malaise in people with CFS.

Compared to healthy individuals people with CFS may have difficulties in restoring ATP levels. If levels of ATP are low, then there will be a fall in energy.

By supplementing with d-ribose the time lag associated with the bodies ability to produce ribose from glucose via the pentose pathway becomes less important and the production of ATP is increased.

Increasingly, people diagnosed with ME / CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) are supplementing their diets with d-ribose. A pioneering study by Jacob, Teitelbaum & Valen Labs found that ribose given to a group of people with CFS led to a significant reduction in fatigue and related symptoms.[1] In this study subjects were given 5 gram doses of d-ribose three times a day.

Ribose And Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia refers to a condition in which there is pain, tenderness and stiffness in the joints muscles and tendons. People with fibromyalgia may also experience a heightened and painful response to touch.

Fibromyalgia is also associated with a wider range of symptoms including fatigue, sleep disturbance, head aches and irritable bowel syndrome. There are reports that ribose supplements can help relieve the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

Ribose and Creatine phosphate

Creatine is an organic acid which helps supply energy to the muscle. Creatine phosphate supplies the phosphate molecules which helps to recycle ADP back into ATP (see the ATP:ADP:AMP Ratio).

Taken as a supplement, creatine and d-ribose can work together in ATP production.

References

[1]JACM 12:9 P 857-862 2006 The use of d-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study