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.[1]
D-ribose is a building block used by the cells in one of the chemical pathways that makes the energy molecule, ATP.[2]
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[edit | edit source]
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.[3] 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.[2]
Sources[edit | edit source]
Supplemental d-ribose is manufactured from corn, so is to be avoided by those with corn allergies or insensitivities.[2]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
A small study of 41 patients by Jacob Teitelbaum resulted in: "Approximately 66% of patients experienced significant improvement while on D-ribose [at a dose of 5 g, 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".[4]
Learn more[edit | edit source]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Wikipedia - Ribose
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Doctor Myhill - D-ribose
- ↑ WebMD - Vitamins and Supplements - Ribose
- ↑ Teitelbaum, Jacob E.; Johnson, Clarence; St Cyr, John (November 2006), "The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study", Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), 12 (9): 857–862, doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.857, ISSN 1075-5535, PMID 17109576
