D-Ribose (powder)

Description

What is ribose?
D-ribose is a simple 5-carbon monosaccharide used by all living cells as an essential compound in cellular energy metabolism. Ribose, needed to synthesize adenine nucleotides, is the carbohydrate backbone of genetic material – DNA and RNA, certain vitamins, and other important cellular compounds. Without ribose, tissues could not produce these life-giving compounds. Adenine nucleotides are required by heart, muscle and other tissue to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary source of energy used by all cells to maintain normal health and function. When the pool of adenine nucleotides is depressed by disease or strenuous exercise or activity, the level of energy available to the cell is compromised. A reduction in cellular energy level can lead to diminished function and reduced physiological health. Unfortunately, many tissues, including heart and skeletal muscles, do not have the metabolic machinery to make ribose quickly when it is needed to rebuild energy levels that might be depressed by disease, exercise or strenuous activity. As such, when these tissues come under metabolic stress, they may not be able to adequately maintain energy pools. A reduced capacity for energy maintenance may impact tissue health and normal function.

Who needs supplemental ribose?
Everyone needs ribose. It is an essential ingredient in stimulating natural energy production. Research has shown that ribose promotes cardiovascular health, reduces cardiac stress associated with strenuous activity and helps athletes reach new heights. Ribose helps the heart and muscles to maximize energy recovery. Whether you are a trained athlete, a weekend warrior or are concerned about your cardiovascular health, ribose may help give the energy boost your body needs. Anyone who has lost blood flow to the heart due to heart attack should consider ribose supplementation immediately.

How is ribose made in the body?
All the necessary compounds for life are made in the body through a series of complicated biochemical metabolic pathways. Ribose is no different. In the body, ribose is made from glucose (a simple 6-carbon sugar) through a pathway called the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) or Hexose Monophosphate Shunt (HMS). This is the same pathway that makes xylitol, a six carbon sugar. Unfortunately, in heart and muscle cells important enzymes that regulate the activity of this pathway are lacking. As such, forming ribose in heart and muscle cells is a slow process. As a result heart and muscle tissues are unable to replace energy pools quickly once they have been depleted by disease or exercise.

How does taking supplemental ribose aid in increasing cellular energy?
If the cellular energy pool is depleted by disease or exercise it must be replaced. PRPP is required to turn on the metabolic pathway used by the body to replenish these energy pools. Supplemental ribose bypasses the slow and rate limiting Pentose Phosphate Pathway, forms PRPP, and quickly begins the process of energy synthesis.

Research
Research on D-ribose is focused on improving cardiac surgical outcomes, recovery of ischemic tissue (tissue that does not have enough blood flow to provide adequate oxygen levels for normal energy metabolism) and increasing heart function in severely ill patients.

What is the recommended daily dosage of ribose?
For energy enhancement, ½ to 1 teaspoon (about 2 – 5 grams) is generally adequate. Ribose is mildly sweet and completely soluble. It mixes easily with your favorite juice, milk, or other cold foods such as yogurt. To maximize athletic performance, or to keep energy pools high during strenuous activity, slightly larger doses may be required. Ribose should be taken just before and just after exercise or activity. It’s great in your water bottle! You’ll forget it’s there but your body won’t.

Does not contain gluten.