D-ribose

Please note that those with any of; low energy, low blood pressure, known low adrenal function or ME/CFS should ensure adequate adrenal hormones before taking any energising supplement. Please see the further reading tab of the Adrenal MAX Support article here for further information. Please also note that for ATP production, especially the oxygen utilisation aspect, the award winning Zell Immunocomplex is highly complimentary to D ribose.

D-ribose is a complex 5-carbon sugar made in the human body. It is the catalyst that starts the metabolic process for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) within the body's cells.

ATP is a co-enzyme used as an energy carrier in the cells of all known organisms.

D-ribose is the specific nutrient needed for ATP production, the essential component for the body's energy production.

Without D-ribose, cells cannot produce ATP and a low energy state of lethargy will occur

Benefits and applications of D-ribose

Energy boost for all low energy states, from simple tiredness right the way through to chronic fatigue syndrome
Heart health; recent research shows ATP production in the heart muscle increased by 300% to 400% due to supplemental D-ribose
Blood health; aids in the longevity of blood cells
Brain health; increases the ability to think clearly by virtue of glucose production aided by D-ribose supplementation

For general energy, chronic fatigue and low-energy

As a dietary supplement, D-ribose provides the cells with the fuel that they need to rapidly increase ATP levels, so restoring long lasting energy levels throughout the body. D-ribose is already very popular with athletes and sports people. It's the perfect "pick-me-up” after a long, hard workout, diminishing exhaustion and tiredness. D-ribose provides a lasting energy boost regardless of whether you're just feeling rundown and exhausted or you're an athlete needing to go "that extra distance” or a sufferer of a serious energy sapping health condition.

"…D-ribose is a biologically important sugar required in the production of ATP, the fuel that runs our cells. Low stores of D-ribose mean less ATP can be generated, and that translates into sapped energy. I've written about D-ribose for the treatment of heart failure and fibromyalgia, but it also shores up energy levels in cells throughout the body, giving you a natural energy boost. One D-ribose 'success story' is my wife, Connie, who, like the energizer bunny, just keeps going and going. Even though she works full time, travels with me, and is always juggling a number of additional projects, this woman never runs out of steam. Connie says that D-ribose noticeably perks her up, and it also improves her endurance while exercising." Dr. Julian Whittaker, M.D.

The "Downhill Syndrome"

This is a term derived from the title of a 1997 book The Downhill Syndrome: If Nothing's Wrong, Why Do I Feel So Bad? by Pavel Yutsis and Morton Walker, it refers to a group of low energy states (including CFS) where, for instance and like an autoimmune condition, there is a hidden underlying condition, such as a unknown low-level infection that begins to act as a stressor on the body. ATP production is reduced as the body utilises most of its energy to fight the infection and the energy production process becomes overtaxed. The result is exhaustion and fatigue. Energy levels fall dramatically and the underlying condition takes an even tighter grip on ones health.

"Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have faulty ATP metabolism, so it makes perfect sense to use D-ribose to help them." Life Extension Foundation

It can become an exhaustive downward spiral, like a whirlpool, that is almost impossible to break out of once one is in it. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are just two of the possible degenerative outcomes.

"Under conditions of physical duress or stress, the body's energy resources become depleted. In particular, intracellular levels of the body's primary energy carrying molecule, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), are lowered significantly. Since cells and organs need adequate energy in order to maintain integrity and function it's essential that the supply of ATP be replenished soon after it's consumed by the body. If ATP molecules are not regenerated quickly enough to meet the body's energy demands, energy metabolism becomes impaired." Dr. Terri Butler noted D-ribose authority

Energy Deficit Disorder

Avoiding an energy deficit disorder is only achieved by restoring and/or maintaining energy production at peak levels for normal body functionality so as the immune system can do it's job of eliminating the underlying condition. Experts agree that supplemental D-ribose is highly significant in this process.

"People with Chronic Fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia have almost 20% less energy in their muscles than normal. And this lack of energy causes poor exercise tolerance and lack of endurance-making it difficult to perform even the most basic of life's daily activities. D-ribose is a simple sugar found naturally in our bodies, but it is not used by the body like any other sugar. Table sugar and other sugars are consumed and, with the help of oxygen, 'burned' by the body to recycle energy. D-ribose, on the other hand, is different. When consumed as a supplement, the body recognizes that D-ribose is different from other sugars and preserves it for the vital work of actually creating the key energy molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that powers the brain, heart, muscles, and every other tissue in the body. In short, supplementing with D-ribose provides the key building block in the cell's energy pathway to produce the ATP we require for more youthful energy levels." Scott Rigden, M.D., noted D-ribose advocate and author of The Ultimate Metabolism Diet

"Not having enough D-ribose in your body is like trying to build a fire without kindling-nothing happens. D-ribose is a unique and powerful addition to our complement of metabolic therapies. For those suffering from fatigue, muscle soreness, stiffness and a host of related medical complications the relief can be life-changing. I suspect we will find that our understanding of D-ribose may be the most important nutrient discovery of the decade. I'd recommend it be used in all Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cases, fibromyalgia and cardiac patients as well as athletes. Though healthy, I take it daily myself as I like the extra energy boost it gives me." Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of the bestselling book From Fatigue to Fantastic

"D-ribose is astonishing new found energy-booster that works by increasing the action of cellular mitochondria and rapidly boosting your body's supply of ATP – pure cellular energy. This 5 carbon sugar, active in the energy producing Krebs cycle, rapidly aids in recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome, age related energy deficits, and other energy-deficit disorders. D-ribose is the essential component for your body's basic production of energy." Dr. Linzy Scott Jr., M.D., who frequently uses D-ribose in his practice

3 Major Attributes of D-ribose

In clinical studies D-ribose displayed three major attributes with regard to it utilisation in the body

Quick and Efficient Absorption – up to 95% of a dose of D-ribose is delivered directly into the bloodstream for transportation to cells and tissues, unlike many supplements that lose up to 70% to the digestive process
Short Half Life – D-ribose is utilized very quickly by the body, and produces no known toxicity
Well Tolerated – Tests show normal blood pressure, heart rate and blood analysis after long-term usage

This makes D-ribose unique from any other energy boosting nutrient.

"D-ribose is a unique sugar made by the body to synthesize many important compounds, including DNA, RNA, and, most importantly, ATP, the 'energy currency' of the cells. ATP is critical to health and maintaining normal energy-dependent body functions. Ribose is the essential component in the making of ATP." MedicalNewsToday.com

New research demonstrates that D-ribose helps with much more than just fatigue.

D-ribose can be a potent, even life altering supplement for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or autoimmune conditions that result in fatigue. It is highly beneficial to those with heart conditions too as it produces large levels of ATP derived energy directly in the heart muscle. As more and more is discovered about the energy-producing capabilities of D-ribose, other healing benefits are also being discovered.

D-ribose and Heart Disease

Recent research shows that D-ribose increases ATP production in muscles (including the heart muscle) 300% to 400%. Scientists and doctors agree that this means many heart disease patients can greatly benefit from supplemental D-ribose.

"What D-ribose does is helps fuel the regeneration of energy when your body can't create it quickly enough. You'll feel an increase in your energy level and you'll be promoting cardiac efficiency, strength, and function. D-ribose promotes rapid exercise recovery, supports healthy energy levels in the heart and muscles, and promotes cellular energy." Dr. Stephen Sinatra, M.D., bestselling author of The Sinatra Solution

Poor cardiovascular health can result in ischaemia, a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose needed for cellular metabolism (to keep tissue alive). Ischaemia is generally caused by problems with blood vessels, with resultant damage to or dysfunction of tissue.

When ischaemia occurs, the body's cells do not get the oxygen they need to properly burn energy-producing fuels (such as ATP). In ischaemia, ATP levels can fall by more than 50 percent. Energy levels then drop rapidly so stressing the heart muscle and reducing energy available for the rest of the body.

It can take as long as ten days for ATP levels to return to normal once ischaemia is stabilised. So, for many of those with cardiovascular disease, the most basic tasks of life may prove difficult. The body does simply not produce sufficient energy. This recovery period is therefore of major concern. Researchers have demonstrated that supplemental D-ribose facilitated the recovery of 85% of the hearts ATP production within 24 hours. A further study showed full recovery of ATP production within 2 days with the use of supplemental D-ribose. The heart function of those without supplemental D-ribose was still below normal after a month.

There have been over 150 published studies of D-ribose that confirm the fact that it increases ATP production effectively whilst improving performance in heart and muscle cells during periods of lowered blood flow or low oxygen (ischaemia).

"When you give D-ribose to patients with ischaemia, energy recovery and function can return to normal in an average of one to two days." Jimmy Bowden, author of The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth

"D-ribose, a naturally occurring sugar that feeds the heart muscle. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) exists in all our cells; it is the primary energy source for many metabolic processes. Your body needs D-ribose to make ATP." Dr. Martha Grout, M.D., of the Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine

"Often, when people have things like heart failure, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome they are actually deficient in D-ribose. By taking D-ribose several times a day you can get some really good results. It's safe, no harmful side effects, only benefits." Dr. Hyla Cass, M.D., author of What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutrition

This means that supplemental D-ribose can help the heart rebuild energy, as well as the rest of the body, and therefore millions may significantly benefit from its effects.

"D-ribose is an excellent nutrient for enhancing energy production, and is recommended for all CFS/FMS patients as well as patients with heart disease. A recently published study showed that D-ribose increased energy an average of 45% in patients with heart disease." Wiki.MedPedia.com

D-ribose can dramatically improve the quality of life for those with certain cardiac conditions as well as those suffering from everyday fatigue and malaise.

Ribose Helps Blood Cells Live Longer

It has also been found that D-ribose may help blood cells live longer and therefore may prove a useful anti-aging supplement.

In his search for ways to extend the "shelf-life” of blood platelets used in blood transfusions and organ transplants; Dr. Daniel Ericson M.D., a former Mayo Clinic haematologist found that D-ribose acts as a preservative agent for platelets, slowing the aging process during storage. He states that D-ribose was found to "significantly enhance the function of blood platelets for transfusion."

Platelets for transfusions and transplants are only viable for a few days, after which they lose their effectiveness and cannot be used. This often leaves hospitals in chronic short supply. After only five days of storage, platelet function is normally reduced to a mere 5% or less. But when D-ribose is introduced, platelets retain an astonishing 90% of their function after five days, and 80% after seven days. Furthermore, harmful bacterial growth was dramatically inhibited in the D-ribose treated blood platelet samples.

D-ribose and Brain Function

D-ribose is required for a number of other essential functions in the body. It is used to manufacture glucose, the most basic sugar in the body, which travels the circulatory system as an integral part of the blood. The brain needs large amounts of glucose for proper functioning. Lacking an adequate supply, one will suffer from mental fogginess and the inability to concentrate fully. Those who have used D-ribose for other conditions have noted the beneficial side effect of clarity of thought coming on almost instantly.

""It was like a light going on in my head," one recent convert to D-ribose told us. That's because added D-ribose helps the brain produce ATP energy right in the brain cells!" Jerry Brainum, noted D-ribose authority

"Even when glucose supply is plentiful, production of D-ribose in the cells by the glucose pentose shunt can be very slow. D-ribose as a nutritional supplement is therefore useful because it is immediately available for the generation of new ATP." Dr. Sarah Myhill, Associate Specialist at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in Britain