Monograph

Strengthen the heart, restore energy, and reduce muscle stiffness. The heart and skeletal muscles rely on cellular energy to complete metabolic processes. To receive essential energy, the body needs D-Ribose, a five carbon sugar. D-Ribose aids all body systems by restoring cellular energy, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is depleted during stress or strenuous activities. NUTRAscriptives D-Ribose provides superior nutritional support for heart and muscle health.
 

Description

Converted from other sources in the body, such as glucose, D-Ribose aids mitochondria function by facilitating the production of ATP. Individuals with deficient ATP levels in their tissue can replenish the body with D-Ribose supplementation to aid normal mitochondria function.

Research

Cardiovascular Health

D-Ribose restores energy to the heart making it a beneficial treatment for individuals with cardiovascular ailments. Ischemia-reperfusion, the process of normal blood flow being restored to the arteries after oxygen deprivation, greatly reduces energy and increases oxidative stress in the heart.[1],[2] D-Ribose can restore energy levels in the heart to lessen the negative effects of abnormal cardiovascular function.

An eight-week study found D-Ribose (5 gm, 3 times per day) improved exercise tolerance among patients with low cellular energy related to ischemia-reperfusion.[3]

A study from the University of Bonn in Germany found patients with chronic cardiovascular weaknesses showed significant improvement in heart function, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life with 10 g of ribose per day for three weeks.[4]

Research indicates D-Ribose improved oxygen efficiency in patients with cardiovascular weaknesses by effectively utilizing oxygen in the muscles to help cells meet energy demands.[5],[6]

Muscle Function & Athletic Performance

Stress and nutritional deficiencies lead to low cellular energy in the skeletal muscle. Energy depletion can cause muscle pain, stiffness, and fatigue that immobilize many individuals on a daily basis.[7],[8] D-Ribose restores ATP levels in the muscles and reduces the effects of energy depletion, including muscle cramps, burning, and pain. [9],[10] Furthermore, D-Ribose may improve exercise tolerance by enhancing muscle energy and agility.

D-Ribose is important to muscle function after vigorous exercise, as ATP levels drop up to 20% in the muscles leading to fatigue and stiffness.[11],[12] Studies have found D-Ribose increased ATP levels efficiently in the muscle by recycling various energy components for faster renewal.[13],9

The Copenhagen Muscle Research Center followed healthy, high-intensity athletes for one week measuring energy levels in their muscles.[14] They found that an athlete's energy level dropped by almost 30% after exercise. Yet, athletes that took 10 g of D-Ribose after a workout had their energy level return to normal within 72 hours after a performance.

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Dosage

Cardiovascular protection and strenuous exercise – 5 g per day

Cardiovascular restoration and high-intensity athletes – 10 to 15 g per day

Chronic muscle and energy fatigue – 15 to 30 g per day

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one scoop (approx. 5 grams) once daily, or as directed by a physician. Mix in water or juice, and take with or between meals.

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid supplementation. A minor side effect may be a hyper, over-energized feeling. Lowering the dose and taking ribose with food can prevent this effect. Diabetics should be cautious of their blood sugar levels when taking this nutrient, as D-Ribose may affect blood sugar levels.

Drug Interactions

Consult your physician before supplementing with D-Ribose if you are taking the following medications.

Anti-diabetic Medicine

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Gao L, Laude K, Cai H. Mitochondrial pathophysiology, reactive oxygen species, and cardiovascular diseases. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2008 Jan; 38(1):137-155.

[2] Kumar, D, Lou, H, Singal, PK. Oxidative stress and apoptosis in heart dysfunction. Herz. 2002 Nov; 27(7):662-668.

[3] MacCarter, D, Vijay, N, Washam, M, et al. D-Ribose aids advanced ischemic heart failure patients. Int J Cardiol. 2008, Jul 30.

[4] Omran, H, Illien, S, MacCarter, D, St Cyr, J, Luderitz, B. D-Ribose improves diastolic function and quality of life in congestive heart failure patients: a prospective feasibility study. Eur J Heart Fail. 2003; 5(5):615-619.

[5] Vijay, N, MacCarter, D, Washam, M, St Cyr, J. Ventilatory efficiency improves with D-Ribose congestive heart failure patients. 2005; Paper presented at: Heart Failure Society of America Conference, Boca Raton, FL.

[6] Carter, O, MacCarter, D, Mannebach, S, et al. D-Ribose improves peak exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency in heart failure patients. Abstract presented at: American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session, Orlando, FL. 2005 March.

[7] Einsinger, J., Plantamura, A. & Ayavou, T. Glycolysis abnormalities in fibromyalgia. J Am Coll Nutr. 1994; 13(2):144-148.

[8] Bengtsson, A. The muscle in fibromyalgia. Rheumatology. 2002; 41(7):721-724.

[9] Zarzeczny, R, Brault, JJ, Abraham, KA, Hancock, CR, Terjung, RL. Influence of ribose on adenine salvage after intense muscle contractions. J Appl Physiol. 2001 Oct; 91(4):1775-1781.

[10] Pacher, P, Szabo, C. Role of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) in cardiovascular diseases: the therapeutic potential of PARP inhibitors. Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2007; 25(3):235-260.

[11] Hellsten-Westing, Y, Norman, B, Balsom, PD, Sjodin, B. Decreased resting levels of adenine nucleotides in human skeletal muscle after high-intensity training. J Appl Physiol. 1993 May; 74(5):2523-2528.

[12] Stathis CG, Febbraio MA, Carey MF, Snow RJ. Influence of sprint training on human skeletal muscle purine nucleotide metabolism. J Appl Physiol. 1994 Apr; 76(4):1802-1809.

[13] Brault JJ, Terjung RL. Purine salvage to adenine nucleotides in different skeletal muscle fiber types. J Appl Physiol. 2001 Jul; 91(1):231-238.

[14] Hellsten, Y, Skadhauge, L, Bangsbo, J. Effect of ribose supplementation on resynthesis of adenine nucleotides after intense intermittent training in humans. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2004 Jan; 286(1):R182-188.