There is definitely no shortage of supplements on the market today.  Some gain notoriety quickly while others seem to sneak onto the scene quietly.  Ribose appears to be one of those supplements that arrived with little fanfare.  This however definitely does not in anyway undermine its potential benefits.  So, just what exactly is ribose and what can it do for you?

Ribose is a carbohydrate, or sugar, that occurs naturally in all living cells.  This sugar is important in that it starts the metabolic process for the production of adenosine triphosphates (ATP).  ATP, in turn, provides a major source of energy which is used by our cells in everything from carrying out normal body function to building muscle tissue.  In short, it is an extremely important element.

Our energy reserves are drained on a daily basis from a variety of factors ranging from performing our every day routines to completing a rigorous workout.  The result of the drain on our energy batteries is that we are often left feeling weak, sluggish, fatigued and sore.  Simply trying to accomplish everything we need to get done in a day becomes a struggle, an upward battle.  Unfortunately, most of us do not have the time to rest for several days allowing our energy levels to return to normal.  We need to keep moving and meet the demands of your active lifestyle.

Fortunately, we can eliminate our feelings of weakness, sluggishness and tiredness while our body recharges its energy level by taking a ribose supplement.  Since ribose serves as the electrical charge needed to begin ATP production, taking a supplement will aid in jump starting the manufacturing of energy in our cells. 

Research on ribose has proven promising in its benefits.  Studies have shown that it:

1. Accelerates energy recovery in all types of skeletal muscles.  Studies suggest that intense exercise can reduce ATP levels by as much as 50 percent.  By taking a ribose supplement, athletes achieve the ability to work out longer and build muscle faster because of their capacity to recover more quickly from intensive workouts.

2. Boost energy recovery in heart tissue after periods of restricted blood flow.  For those suffering from coronary artery disease, a daily supplemental ribose has been shown to improve cardiac function, increase exercise tolerance, and enhance quality of life.

3. Symptom reduction.  Early research suggests that a daily ribose supplement may also reduce symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Standard laboratory testing in both human and animal studies has shown that ribose is safe, with no significant adverse effects, in dosages up to 60 g/day.    While there have been no reports of overdosing connected with taking a ribose supplement, there have been some reports of individual’s experiencing adverse reactions such as symptoms of hypoglycemia, hyperuricemia, hyperuricosuria, diarrhea, nausea and headache.  Therefore, it is important to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and to talk to your doctor before adding any new supplement. 

Ribose is available in tablet, capsule and bulk powder forms. It is also sometimes combined with creatine, another substance that helps keep the muscles supplied with ATP.  A combination that is often preferred by body builders. 

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