Supplements Dietary Supplements What Is D-Ribose? This supplement fights fatigue at the cellular level to boost energy By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 01, 2022 Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LND, RD Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LND, RD Facebook LinkedIn Melissa Nieves, LND, RD, is a registered dietitian working for a private practice. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is D-Ribose Used For? Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation What to Look For Frequently Asked Questions Ribose is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body and is made from blood glucose. It is a key component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—a molecule involved in storing and releasing energy, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse propagation—and ribonucleic acid (RNA), a molecule involved in protein synthesis and other cell activities. Also known as D-ribose, it is sold as a nutritional supplement to reduce fatigue and improve athletic performance. The synthetic form of this supplement is called N-ribose. Ribose shows some promise as a treatment for people with energy deficits, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and is popular among athletes looking to increase energy, boost stamina, and enhance athletic performance. What Is D-Ribose Used For? Despite ribose's potential benefits, there is limited scientific evidence to support its use for any health condition or performance enhancement. Here's a look at some key findings from the available research on ribose supplements: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue D-ribose shows promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME-CFS). A 2017 review of dietary modifications for chronic fatigue patients reports that D-ribose supplementation significantly improved energy levels and overall mood. In a pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 41 patients with fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome who were given ribose supplements, 66 percent of the patients showed significant improvement in symptoms such as lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, and pain. Both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are marked by impaired energy metabolism. The study's authors suggest that ribose may help treat the two conditions by increasing the production of energy in the heart and muscles. However, more research is needed. Herbs and Supplements for Fibromyalgia Athletic Performance Although ribose supplements are widely touted as a natural remedy for enhancing exercise endurance, two small studies—one published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism and the other published in the Journal of Applied Physiology in 2001—failed to find supporting evidence and suggest that ribose supplements may have no effect on athletic performance. Heart Failure Recovery Ribose supplements may be of some benefit to heart failure patients. In a 2015 study, Ohio State University researchers gave a small sample of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients 5 grams of D-ribose daily for six weeks. Measurements of heart function improved in 64 percent of subjects, and those improvements were sustained in follow-up assessments three weeks after ceasing supplementation. Earlier research published in the European Journal of Heart Failure found D-ribose supplements enhanced the quality of life and improved certain measures of cardiac function in CHF patients. In the study, 15 patients were given either D-ribose or a placebo daily for three weeks, then after a one-week break patients were switched over to the alternate treatment for another three weeks. While the research is promising, it is limited to small sample sizes and animal studies. The American College of Cardiology Foundation and American Heart Association's 2013 CHF practice guidelines do not recommend nutritional supplements in the treatment of CHF. Possible Side Effects D-ribose is generally considered safe for short-term use. However, possible side effects include diarrhea, stomach discomfort, nausea, headache, and low blood sugar. People who have diabetes and are taking blood-glucose-lowering medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, and patients with hypoglycemia should avoid supplementing with D-ribose, as it may lower blood sugar. If you are having surgery, do not take D-ribose. It is recommended to stop supplementation at least two weeks prior to scheduled surgery, as the supplement may make it difficult to maintain blood sugar levels. There is not enough evidence to support its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is not recommended for use at those times. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Dosage and Preparation Ribose is sold as both ribose and D-ribose in capsules and powder. Since it is a naturally occurring sugar, it tastes sweet. The powder can be mixed with water or juice and can be used to make beverages like lemonade. There is no standard recommended dosage of D-ribose. Based on scientific studies, alternative health practitioners recommend between 5 grams and 30 grams a day to support chronic health conditions. As a workout enhancer, 5 grams a day is the common dose. What to Look For When selecting a brand of supplements, look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, the U.S. Pharmacopeia, or NSF International. A Word From Verywell Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend D-ribose supplements for any condition. It's also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering the use of D-ribose supplements in the treatment of any chronic condition, talk to your healthcare provider before starting your supplement regimen. Frequently Asked Questions Will D-ribose affect my blood sugar? Ribose is a naturally occurring sugar, but it doesn't impact blood sugar like sucrose or fructose. Some research shows that D-ribose increases insulin, which leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels. If you have hypoglycemia or are taking certain types of medication, talk to your doctor before you use D-ribose supplements. Learn More: What Is Hypoglycemia? Can D-ribose supplements help you be stronger and faster? While research has shown D-ribose to be helpful for patients who have medical disorders that affect muscle function and energy levels, there isn’t any evidence that it can improve a healthy athlete’s performance. Learn More: Guide to Supplements Which foods are a good source of ribose? Mushrooms, beef, chicken, milk, eggs, and fish contain ribose. However, no foods contain large amounts of ribose. To get a significant dose, you need to use a supplement. 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Cao W, Qiu J, Cai T, Yi L, Benardot D, Zou M. Effect of D-ribose supplementation on delayed onset muscle soreness induced by plyometric exercise in college students. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2020 Aug 10;17(1):42. doi:10.1186/s12970-020-00371-8 Li S, Wang J, Xiao Y, et al. D‑ribose: Potential clinical applications in congestive heart failure and diabetes, and its complications (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. 2021;21(5):1-9. doi:10.3892%2Fetm.2021.9927 Kerksick CM, Wilborn CD, Roberts MD, et al. ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15(1):38. doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0242-y EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), Turck D, Bresson J, et al. Safety of d‐ribose as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (Eu) 2015/2283. EFS2. 2018;16(5). doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5265 Additional Reading Bayram M, St Cyr JA, Abraham WT. D-ribose aids heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction: a pilot study. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2015;9(3):56-65. doi: 10.1177/1753944715572752. Eijnde BO, Van Leemputte M, Brouns F, et al. No Effects of Oral Ribose Supplementation on Repeated Maximal Exercise and de Novo ATP Resynthesis. J Appl Physiol. 2001;91(5):2275-81. doi: 10.1152/jappl.2001.91.5.2275 Jones K, Probst Y. Role of dietary modification in alleviating chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms: a systematic review. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2017 Aug;41(4):338-344. doi: 10.1111/1753-6405.12670. Kreider RB, Melton C, Greenwood M, et al. Effects of Oral D-ribose Supplementation on Anaerobic Capacity and Selected Metabolic Markers in Healthy Males. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 13(1):76-86. Omran H, Illien S, MacCarter D, St Cyr J, Lüderitz B. D-Ribose Improves Diastolic Function and Quality of Life in Congestive Heart Failure Patients: A Prospective Feasibility Study. Eur J Heart Fail. 5(5):615-9. Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. The Use of D-Ribose in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study. J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Nov;12(9):857-62. doi: 10.1089/acm.2006.12.857 Yancy CW, Jessup M, Bozkurt B, et al; American College of Cardiology Foundation; American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for the management of heart failure: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;62(16):e147-239. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.05.019. By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. 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