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Ribose

From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history

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.[3]

Use in ME/CFS and FM[edit | edit source]

It is used as a supplement to help boost muscle energy, such as for athletes and people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and congestive heart failure.[citation needed][4] 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] Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis are thought to be deficient in ATP or suffer from mitochondrial dysfunction.[citation needed]

Sources[edit | edit source]

Supplemental d-ribose is manufactured from corn, so is to be avoided by those with corn allergies or insensitivities.[2]

ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia[edit | edit source]

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".[5] A follow-up study by Teitelbaum and colleagues (2012) lead to similar results.[6] Neither study was placebo controlled.

Notable studies[edit | edit source]

Risks and side effects[edit | edit source]

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

D-ribose lowers blood sugar.[9]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Ribose | Structure, Properties, Synthesis, Facts & Summary". April 14, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  2. ↑ Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 2.2 "D-ribose". Doctor Myhill. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  3. ↑ McMillen, Matt. "Ribose: Uses and Risks". WebMD. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  4. ↑ Omran, Heyder; McCarter, Dean; St Cyr, John; Lüderitz, Berndt (2004). "D-ribose aids congestive heart failure patients". Experimental & Clinical Cardiology. 9 (2): 117–118. ISSN 1205-6626. PMC 2716264. PMID 19641697.
  5. ↑ Jump up to: 5.0 5.1 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
  6. ↑ Jump up to: 6.0 6.1 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.
  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.
  9. ↑ Segal, Stanton; Foley, Joseph (May 1, 1958). "THE METABOLISM OF D-RIBOSE IN MAN". Journal of Clinical Investigation. 37 (5): 719–735. doi:10.1172/JCI103658. ISSN 0021-9738. PMC 293144. PMID 13539215.

mitochondria Important parts of the biological cell, with each mitochondrion encased within a mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondria are best known for their role in energy production, earning them the nickname "the powerhouse of the cell". Mitochondria also participate in the detection of threats and the response to these threats. One of the responses to threats orchestrated by mitochondria is apoptosis, a cell suicide program used by cells when the threat can not be eliminated.

adverse reaction Any unintended or unwanted response to a treatment, whether in a clinical trial or licensed treatment. May be minor or serious.

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