Supports energy production in heart and muscle*.

Promotes muscle recovery following exercise*.

Human cells normally can produce their own ribose to contribute to ATP production, but stressful states can interfere with the supply of ribose.6 Heart muscle is not well equipped with enzymes that readily facilitate production of high-energy molecules; supplementing with ribose has proven beneficial to address this issue, promoting the heart’s energy metabolism and its functional performance.

In the body’s skeletal ('voluntary') muscles, ribose also can enhance the rate of ATP replacement after its depletion by intense exercise.7. The repetitive muscular contractions during bouts of strenuous exercise can temporarily lower ATP in skeletal muscle.8 The muscle’s transition from a resting state to one of high intensity exercise can increase its ATP use by several hundred-fold, so that ATP levels can plunge to 60–70% of resting values.9, 10 If the individual regularly performs intense exercise, ATP in the resting skeletal muscle may decrease up to 20%, in part due to a loss of ribose and other high-energy building blocks from the muscle fibers.9, 11.

In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing heart muscle function, 15 participants were given either placebo powder or ribose powder for two study periods of 3 weeks each. The powders were taken three times daily with meals, in doses of 5 grams dissolved in 8 ounces of water (totaling 15 grams per day). Heart function was measured using echocardiography; the results showed enhancements in heart function with ribose that were statistically significant when compared with placebo.3.

A subsequent trial that also used 5 grams of ribose three times per day demonstrated an increased exercise tolerance by the heart after eight weeks of supplementation in 16 men and women.12. The sum of research in this area suggests that ribose supplementation can enhance ATP levels in heart muscle and promote maintenance of optimal heart function.13-16.

Decreases free radical production during exercise*.

Physical exercise is known to generate oxygen free radicals. When generated in sufficient amounts these reactive substances can create oxidative stress, which is a relative excess of free radical production over antioxidant defense. Oxidative stress can pose a threat to muscle and other tissue integrity.17 In a double blind, placebo-controlled trial with 7 healthy, experienced recreational cyclists, participants were given either 7 grams of ribose in water or a placebo of flavored water both before and after exercise sessions on two separate occasions. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of free radical activity) was measured in the urine. Compared with the placebo, ribose supplementation resulted in lower MDA levels. This suggested that supplementing with ribose may help lower free radical activity and thereby offset the potential for oxidative stress during exercise.18.

Other Research: In a double blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating body composition, muscle strength, and muscle endurance, 19 healthy male recreational bodybuilders (ages 18–35) were given either 10 mg ribose powder or a dextrose placebo powder. The men were instructed to dissolve 5 grams of the powder in water and consume it, first 30–60 minutes before then 30–60 minutes after their training session. Without altering body composition, significant gains in muscular endurance and strength were seen with the ribose supplementation but not with the placebo powder.19.

In another, pilot clinical trial with 41 men and women, the effect of ribose on occasional fatigue was a major focus. Participants were instructed to take a 5-gram scoop of ribose three times per day, mixed with food, water, or another beverage (for a total of 15 grams daily). After 20 days of supplementation, significant benefits were seen in energy levels, sleep patterns, mental clarity, and state of well-being, as well as other subjective markers of quality of life.20.

Best D-Ribose from Doctor’s Best is a high-quality source of ribose for anyone with an active lifestyle and desiring higher energy and muscular fitness. Its benefits for the muscles and the cardiovascular system are best experienced by supplementing with up to 15 grams daily, taken just before or after meals.

Scientific References:

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15. Pauly DF, Johnson C, St Cyr JA. Med Hypotheses 2003;60:149-151.

16. Illien S, Omran H, MacCarter D, St. Cyr J. Faseb J 2001;15.

17. Vina J, Gomez-Cabrera MC, Lloret A, others. IUBMB Life 2000;50:271-277.

18. Seifert JG, Subudhi AW, Fu MX, others. J Med Food 2009;12:690-693.

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20. Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. J Altern Complement Med 2006;12:857-862.