What are ribose supplements?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Ribose is a special sugar made in your body that doesn't come from food. Of all the things you can do to combat the effects of knee-dragging fatigue, taking daily a ribose supplement is the one that seems to really turbo-charge some people who have diseases with low energy associated with them. (The only side effect is that some people feel too much energy, if that's possible.) Ribose has also been shown to relieve fatigue, soreness, and stiffness after exercise, and some professional athletes have reported muscular benefits after taking ribose. However, the data are too weak to say it does or doesn't work well, since the studies just haven't been done.
And there is enough good research to recommend ribose for all of us. But if you want to give it a try, start with 500 milligrams three times a day for a week or so until you get used to the taste (or find a smoothie, coffee, or tea to put it in). Then go to 5 grams three times a day for three weeks to get a sense of the effect. Then you can scale back to 5 grams twice a day. By the way, since I know you're wondering: Each 5-gram scoop only contains 20 calories since ribose isn't metabolized as a sugar, so taking it won't increase your chances of becoming mistaken for a Sea World attraction. In fact, since it is a bit sweet, you might think of it as a sugar substitute.
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Ribose is a special sugar made in your body that doesn't come from food. Of all the things you can do to combat the effects of knee-dragging fatigue, taking daily a ribose supplement is the one that seems to really turbo-charge some people who have... More -
Ribose has many important roles in physiology. Ribose and its related compound deoxyribose are the building blocks of the nucleic acids ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), respectively. Ribose phosphates are used by microorganisms to make the amino acid histidine, one of the 22 amino acids commonly found in animal proteins. Ribose is the sugar that begins the metabolic process for production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the major source of energy used by cells.
Use of ribose by athletes and bodybuilders is based on the theory that ribose supplies muscle cells with a continuous supply of ATP. It is also sometimes combined with creatine, another substance that helps keep the muscles supplied with ATP, in formulations marketed to professional bodybuilders. While there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence from bodybuilders and other athletes concerning the positive effects of ribose, clinical research in this area suggests that ribose may not have effects on exercise performance.
Research has shown that ribose may help speed recovery of the heart muscle after a heart attack and improve blood flow to the heart in those affected by inadequate oxygen. Ribose supplementation has been used to support heart function and rejuvenate heart tissue after both heart attacks and heart surgery. Research has also shown that ribose may improve symptoms associated with fibromyalgia (muscle and connective tissue pain). However, research is preliminary, and firm conclusions cannot be drawn at this time.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ribose has many important roles in physiology. Ribose and its related compound deoxyribose are the building blocks of the nucleic acids ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), respectively. Ribose phosphates are used by... More
