Supplement
D-ribose
SaveA five-carbon sugar that serves as a backbone for ATP, studied in cardiac ischaemia and chronic fatigue conditions for energy repletion.
Quick verdict
Niche use in heart failure and fibromyalgia with modest supportive evidence. Healthy athletes are unlikely to benefit.
Evidence score
A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.
What the research shows
Small studies in chronic heart failure show improved exercise tolerance and diastolic function. One open-label fibromyalgia study showed symptom improvement. Raises blood glucose—diabetics should monitor.
Benefits
- ATP backbone—theoretical energy repletion
- May improve exercise tolerance in heart failure
- Some benefit in fibromyalgia symptom scores
Dosage notes
5 g three times daily in clinical studies. Can be mixed into beverages.
Side effects
- Blood sugar spikes
- GI discomfort
- Hypoglycaemia rebound in some individuals
Who should be cautious
Rapidly absorbed sugar—will spike blood glucose. Not appropriate for uncontrolled diabetics.
What this page cannot tell you
Most studies are small, open-label, and in specific patient populations. Healthy individuals can regenerate ribose endogenously.
Leaderboard scores
- Energy32
- Recovery28
Write a review
Sign in to write a review.