Ribose 26 August 2009
Ribose is a simple 5- carbon sugar that can be found in every cell in the human body. Unfortunately we just don’t make enough of it. Ribose has been proven to significantly accelerate energy synthesis and recovery from exercise. It does this because it is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate in the cell (ATP). ATP is the energy currency of the cell. Ribose has been shown to increase the energy production of myocardial (heart) cells, even when they have been injured.
Ribose is particularly effective in the treatment of:
- Heart failure- lack of blood flow and oxygen to heart cells can cause the heart to lose up to 50% of its ATP pool. Research has shown that D-ribose improves diastolic function of the heart, increases exercise tolerance and significantly improved quality of life.
- Post cardiac surgery.
- Cardiomyopathy.
- Chronic coronary artery disease.
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia- many patients with fibromyalgia have faulty ATP metabolism
It is also important for athletes in performance and recovery. Impaired recovery of the muscle ATP pool causes the pain, stiffness and fatigue that follows strenuous exercise.
D-ribose is very well absorbed orally- about 97% gets into the bloodstream. It should be taken every day. Clinicians at the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre recommend anywhere between 5-30 grams per day depending on the severity of the condition being treated. When used as directed, D-ribose is 100% safe (although we don’t recommend its use in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children because of lack of research in these groups). Blood sugar levels can decrease and so D-ribose should be taken with meals.
D-ribose is now available from the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre for clients at a marked discount to usual retail prices.