• Science-based nutrition
• Dietary supplement
• Supports healthy energy levels in heart and muscle tissue*
• Maintains normal heart function*
• Decreases free radical formation during exercise*

Ribose is an essential pentose (5-carbon) sugar utilized by the body to synthesize DNA, RNA and produce energy. Ribose is a fundamental building block of adenosine triphosphate (ATP – the substance in which the body stores intracellular energy), the preferential source of energy for skeletal muscle and heart tissue. Studies have shown that ribose supplementation can enhance cardiac energy levels and support cardiovascular metabolism.* Further studies suggest that ribose plays a role in supporting energy recovery after exercise.* Exercise increases free radical production in muscle tissue. Ribose may strengthen and support the body’s crucial antioxidant defenses.*

Best D-Ribose supplies D-ribose, a simple carbohydrate crucial in the body as a component of DNA, RNA, acetyl coenzyme A, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the body’s major “energy currency”). D-ribose is clinically proven to support muscle and cardiovascular health.

D-ribose (also called simply “ribose”) is a 5-carbon sugar, different from glucose or sucrose and not involved with the insulin hormone system. Ribose forms the structural core of ATP, the high-energy molecule that is an essential cofactor for numerous enzymes that help maintain the body’s structural and functional integrity. ATP is the foremost energy source for our muscles during physical activity.¹

ATP is also the primary source of energy for our heart muscle. The heart needs a continuous and reliable energy supply to power its pumping function, and heart muscle consumes more energy per unit weight than any other organ.² Studies indicate that ribose can enhance ATP production and energy metabolism in the heart and other muscle fibers.^{3, 4}

D-ribose is efficiently absorbed in the small intestine of healthy individuals, with an absorption efficiency that ranges from 88 to 99 percent.⁵ Best D-Ribose features Bioenergy Ribose, a patented brand that has been used in many research investigations.

Supports energy production in heart and muscle*

Promotes muscle recovery following exercise*

Human cells normally can produce their own ribose to contribute to ATP production, but stressful states can interfere with the supply of ribose.⁶ Heart muscle is not well equipped with enzymes that readily facilitate production of high-energy molecules; supplementing with ribose has proven beneficial to address this issue, promoting the heart’s energy metabolism and its functional performance.

In the body’s skeletal (“voluntary”) muscles, ribose also can enhance the rate of ATP replacement after its depletion by intense exercise.⁷ The repetitive muscular contractions during bouts of strenuous exercise can temporarily lower ATP in skeletal muscle.⁸ The muscle’s transition from a resting state to one of high intensity exercise can increase its ATP use by several hundred-fold, so that ATP levels can plunge to 60–70% of resting values.^{9, 10} If the individual regularly performs intense exercise, ATP in the resting skeletal muscle may decrease up to 20%, in part due to a loss of ribose and other high-energy building blocks from the muscle fibers.^{9, 11}

In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing heart muscle function, 15 participants were given either placebo powder or ribose powder for two study periods of 3 weeks each. The powders were taken three times daily with meals, in doses of 5 grams dissolved in 8 ounces of water (totaling 15 grams per day). Heart function was measured using echocardiography; the results showed enhancements in heart function with ribose that were statistically significant when compared with placebo.³

A subsequent trial that also used 5 grams of ribose three times per day demonstrated an increased exercise tolerance by the heart after eight weeks of supplementation in 16 men and women.¹² The sum of research in this area suggests that ribose supplementation can enhance ATP levels in heart muscle and promote maintenance of optimal heart function.^13-16

Decreases free radical production during exercise*

Physical exercise is known to generate oxygen free radicals. When generated in sufficient amounts these reactive substances can create oxidative stress, which is a relative excess of free radical production over antioxidant defense. Oxidative stress can pose a threat to muscle and other tissue integrity.¹⁷ In a double blind, placebo-controlled trial with 7 healthy, experienced recreational cyclists, participants were given either 7 grams of ribose in water or a placebo of flavored water both before and after exercise sessions on two separate occasions. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of free radical activity) was measured in the urine. Compared with the placebo, ribose supplementation resulted in lower MDA levels. This suggested that supplementing with ribose may help lower free radical activity and thereby offset the potential for oxidative stress during exercise.¹⁸

Other Research

In a double blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating body composition, muscle strength, and muscle endurance, 19 healthy male recreational bodybuilders (ages 18–35) were given either 10 mg ribose powder or a dextrose placebo powder. The men were instructed to dissolve 5 grams of the powder in water and consume it, first 30–60 minutes before then 30–60 minutes after their training session. Without altering body composition, significant gains in muscular endurance and strength were seen with the ribose supplementation but not with the placebo powder.¹⁹

In another, a pilot clinical trial with 41 men and women, the effect of ribose on occasional fatigue was a major focus. Participants were instructed to take a 5-gram scoop of ribose three times per day, mixed with food, water, or another beverage (for a total of 15 grams daily). After 20 days of supplementation, significant benefits were seen in energy levels, sleep patterns, mental clarity, and state of well-being, as well as other subjective markers of quality of life.²⁰

Best D-Ribose from Doctor’s Best is a high-quality source of ribose for anyone with an active lifestyle and desiring higher energy and muscular fitness. Its benefits for the muscles and the cardiovascular system are best experienced by supplementing with up to 15 grams daily, taken just before or after meals.

SUPPLEMENT FACTS

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Serving Size: 1 chewable wafer
Servings per container: 90 servings
                                                          Amount Per Serving             %DV
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Calories                                                                        8
Total Carbohydrates                                                   2g       <1%*
Sugars                                                                         2g          †
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D-Ribose                                                             1500mg          †
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Values not established.

Other Ingredients: Invetek chewable base, natural orange flavor, citrus blend flavor, citric acid, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), stearic acid, silicon dioxide.

Suggested Use: Chew one wafer 1 - 3 times daily. May be taken with or without food.

Caution: Insulin-dependent diabetics, pregnant women and those with elevated uric acid levels (associated with gout) should consult their physician before use.

References
1. Dhanoa TS, Housner JA. Curr Sports Med Rep 2007;6:254-257
2. Sinatra ST. Altern Ther Health Med 2009;15:44-52.
3. Omran H, Illien S, MacCarter D, others. Eur J Heart Fail 2003;5:615-619.
4. Pauly DF, Pepine CJ. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2000;5:249-258.
5. Gross M, Reiter S, Zollner N. Klin Wochenschr 1989;67:1205-1213.
6. Herrick J, St Cyr J. J Diet Suppl 2008;5:213-217.
7. Hellsten Y, Skadhauge L, Bangsbo J. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2004;286:R182-8.
8. Dodd SL, Johnson CA, Fernholz K, St Cyr JA. Med Hypotheses 2004;62:819-824.
9. Hellsten-Westing Y, Norman B, Balsom PD, Sjodin B. J Appl Physiol (1985) 1993;74:2523-2528.
10. Green HJ. J Sports Sci 1997;15:247-256.
11. Stathis CG, Febbraio MA, Carey MF, Snow RJ. J Appl Physiol (1985) 1994;76:1802-1809.
12. MacCarter D, Vijay N, Washam M, others. Int J Cardiol 2009;137:79-80.
13. Vijay N, Maccarter D, Shecterle LM, St Cyr JA. J Med Food 2008;11:199-200.
14. Pliml W, von Arnim T, Stablein A, others. Lancet 1992;340:507-510.
15. Pauly DF, Johnson C, St Cyr JA. Med Hypotheses 2003;60:149-151.
16. Illien S, Omran H, MacCarter D, St. Cyr J. Faseb J 2001;15.
17. Vina J, Gomez-Cabrera MC, Lloret A, others. IUBMB Life 2000;50:271-277.
18. Seifert JG, Subudhi AW, Fu MX, others. J Med Food 2009;12:690-693.
19. Van Gammeren D, Falk D, Antonio J. Current Therapeutic Research 2002;63:486-495.
20. Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. J Altern Complement Med 2006;12:857-862.

* FDA disclaimer