D-Ribose is a naturally occurring sugar or carbohydrate that has the capability to regenerate ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) levels in the body. Recent studies have shown it to be helpful for athletes, bodybuilders, cardiovascular health, fibromyalgia and muscle health. ATP is the body’s principal energy carrying molecule. D-Ribose is needed by the body to make ATP. During intense workouts, heart disease and fibromyalgia the energy levels in the body tend to drop by huge margins. Ribose is required at this time to rebuild the ATP levels in the body, thereby increasing energy.
D-Ribose is an aldopentose or a monosaccharide, containing five carbon atoms and including an aldehyde functional group in its linear form. As a component of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), it is used by all living cells and is crucial for the human body. It plays a significant role in the energy producing process of the body and is part of the building blocks that from the DNA and RNA component.
D-Ribose and supplementation:
This compound is known to enhance athletic performance by regenerating the production of ATP in the body. As a dietary supplement, it is available in the form of tablets, chews and powders. During intense exercise sessions, ATP, the body’s key energizer gets exhausted in the heart and in skeletal muscle cells. Ribose helps regenerate ATP, nucleic acids and glycogen resulting in an increase in energy.
Benefits of D-Ribose:
Athletes: It is known to enhance the output of athletes by reducing cramping and soreness of the muscles, decreasing exercise induced swelling of the joints and improving performance.
Cardiovascular Health: It builds ATP in the heart and skeletal muscles and increases energy.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: It reduces cramps and soreness of the muscle tissues and plummets fatigue. It leads to more energy generation, induces better sleep, mental clarity and reduces pain.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): Research has shown that patients suffering from coronary artery disease and heart failure respond well to D-Ribose supplementation as it enhances the diastolic functional parameters and enhances the overall quality of life. It also increases cardiac energy metabolism and function following ischemia.
Exercise and Performance: The compound is known to re-synthesize adenine nucleotides after intense workout sessions. It increases the exercise capacity and improves the overall performance of the individual. It plays a critical role in the production of ATP, which is the key provider of energy for short bursts while exercising.
Oral supplementation of Ribose can lead to an increase in ATP production, enhancing performance and recovery, resulting in the development of more muscle mass.
Fights Anoxia: Rigorous exercise sessions of athletes often give rise to anoxia, a medical condition accompanied by a shortage of oxygen supply to the muscle cells or an organ. This tends to drop the ATP levels and can take several days for the energy levels to be restored. Ribose replenishes these depleted levels of ATP in the body and increases the efficiency of the work outs.
Suggested Use:
Most experts suggest that Ribose should be taken in large quantities initially, during the loading phase. 3 g of Ribose, 3 – 4 times a day is recommended.
In the maintenance Phase 3- 6 g a day would be sufficient.
D- Ribose augments the body’s response to metabolic stress, protects tissues from oxygen deprivation and stimulates recovery. It results in high intensity work outs, enhanced performance, increase in energy, less fatigue and faster recovery from strenuous work outs. Before using the supplement, you must consult your doctor to determine if the product is likely to benefit you or not. You must also make a note of any ailments or diseases you might be suffering from such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney infection, stress related disorders etc. before using the supplement. Pregnant women and children should not consume the supplement. For best results, use it with regular exercise, well balanced diet plan and adequate rest.