Ribose

Ribose is a carbohydrate with the formula C5H10O5, that exists in two forms: D-ribose, which occurs in nature and L-ribose, which is the mirror image of D-ribose and does not occur in nature.

D-ribose is a building block used by the cells in one of the chemical pathways that makes the energy molecule, ATP.

D-ribose comes in powder form, tastes sweet, and can used as a sugar substitute in drinks or on cereal.

Use in ME/CFS and FM
It is used as a supplement for help boost muscle energy, such as for athletes and people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and coronary artery disease. The theory is that if one supplies the body with the precursors to ATP, then it will be easier for the body to make ATP.

ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia
In 2008, a pilot study of 41 patients with ME/CFS or fibromyalgia by Jacob Teitelbaum stated that in: "Approximately 66% of patients experienced significant improvement while on D-ribose [at a dose of 5g, three times a day], with an average increase in energy on the VAS [visual analog scale categories: energy; sleep; mental clarity; and pain intensity] of 45% and an average improvement in overall well-being of 30% (p < 0.0001)." The study authors concluded that "D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome". A follow-up study by Teitelbaum and colleagues (2012) lead to similar results. Neither study was placebo controlled.

Notable studies

 * 2012, Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia with D-Ribose– An Open-label, Multicenter Study (Abstract)
 * 2006, The Use of D-Ribose in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study (Abstract)

Risks and side effects
Oral D-Ribose intake is linked to memory loss, anxiety, and Aβ-like deposits associated with Alzheimer’s in mice.

D-ribose lowers blood sugar.

Learn more

 * Wikipedia - Ribose
 * Dr Sarah Myhill - D-ribose
 * 2016, D-Ribose revisited - CFS Remission
 * 2012, D-Ribose