Contact Us: Email | 24/7 Customer Service 1-800-381-0759
Over 10 million orders shipped since 1994
One Price Shipping, $4.99*  Money Back Guarantee
Healthnotes Index:
Search Healthnotes:

Ribose

Illustration

Ribose is a type of sugar normally made in the body from glucose. Ribose plays important roles in the synthesis of RNA, DNA, and the energy-containing substance adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Where is it found?

Ribose is present in small amounts in many foods of plant or animal origin.

Ribose has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings Health Concerns
2Stars

Angina

1Star

Athletic performance

Fibromyalgia

3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Ribose is not an essential nutrient, therefore deficiencies do not occur.

How much is usually taken?

Sports supplement manufacturers recommend 1 to 10 grams per day of ribose.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

No known side effects have been reported from the use of ribose when consumed in amounts of less than 10 grams per day. Larger amounts may cause gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea,1 and may lower glucose levels,2 although it is not known whether symptoms of hypoglycemia might result.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with ribose.


1. Gross M, Reiter S, Zollner N. Metabolism of D-ribose administered continuously to healthy persons and to patients with myoadenylate deaminase deficiency. Klin Wochenschr 1989;67:1205–13.

2. Gross M, Zollner N. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, and C-peptide during long-term D-ribose administration in man. Klin Wochenschr 1991;69:31–6.




*The information in this newsletter is for educational use only. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you believe you may have any of the signs or symptoms discussed above before using any of the nutrients discussed.

You should also consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
1-800-381-0759
HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime. 5 Star Guarantee Inc. 500 Award Winner & Hall of Fame Member Internet Retailer Top 500 E-Retailer
Copyright © 2009 Vitacost.com. All rights reserved • Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by Vitacost.com or the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
Prices and promotions are subject to change without notice.
sea3