February 2019
Grant Tinsley
D-ribose is a critically important sugar molecule.
It’s part of your DNA — the genetic material that contains information for all the proteins produced in your body — and also makes up part of your cells’ primary energy source, adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Though your body naturally produces ribose, some believe that D-ribose supplements can improve health or exercise performance.
Here are 5 emerging benefits of D-ribose supplements.
1. May Help Recovery of Energy Stores in Your Cells
D-ribose is a component of the structure of ATP, the main energy source for your cells.
For this reason, research has examined whether ATP supplements can help improve energy stores in muscle cells.
One study had participants complete an intense exercise program consisting of 15 all-out cycling sprints twice per day for one week.
After the program, participants took approximately 17 grams of D-ribose or a placebo three times per day for three days.
Researchers assessed ATP levels in the muscle over these three days and then performed an exercise test consisting of cycling sprints.
The study found that after three days of supplementing, ATP was recovered to normal levels in the D-ribose group, but not in those taking the placebo.
However, during the exercise test, there was no difference in performance between the D-ribose and placebo groups.
As a result, the significance of the improved ATP recovery with D-ribose supplements is not entirely clear.
