Ribose

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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] A follow-up study by Teitelbaum and colleagues (2012) lead to similar results [5] Neither study was placebo controlled.

Risks[edit | edit source]

Oral D-Ribose intake is linked to memory loss, anxiety, and Aβ-like deposits associated with Alzheimer’s in mice.[6][7][8]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

Muscle fatigability

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Wikipedia - Ribose
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Doctor Myhill - D-ribose
  3. WebMD - Vitamins and Supplements - Ribose
  4. 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
  5. Teitelbaum, Jacob (June 27, 2012). "Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia with D-Ribose– An Open-label, Multicenter Study". The Open Pain Journal. 5 (1): 32–37. doi:10.2174/1876386301205010032.
  6. "D-Ribose linked to Memory Loss, Anxiety, & Aβ-like deposits associated with Alzheimer's in Mice".
  7. Wu, Beibei; Wei, Yan; Wang, Yujing; Su, Tao; Zhou, Lei; Liu, Ying; He, Rongqiao (October 7, 2015). "Gavage of D-Ribose induces Aβ-like deposits, Tau hyperphosphorylation as well as memory loss and anxiety-like behavior in mice". Oncotarget. 6 (33): 34128–34142. ISSN 1949-2553. PMC 4741441. PMID 26452037.
  8. Han, C.; Lu, Y.; Wei, Y.; Wu, B.; Liu, Y.; He, R. (March 2014). "D -ribosylation induces cognitive impairment through RAGE-dependent astrocytic inflammation". Cell Death & Disease. 5 (3): e1117–e1117. doi:10.1038/cddis.2014.89. ISSN 2041-4889.