Up until today, the use of D-Ribose in enhancing energy output of the body isn’t widely known in the medical field. Most medical students haven’t heard of this, and most doctors still don’t recommend this to their patients. However, it has wonders that are so encouraging, and you would want to know more.
When used properly, It enhances energy production, leading to reduced fatigue. This nutrient is therefore an important one when one is dealing with coditions such as chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and cardiac weakness.
What Is D-Ribose?
Ribose is a sugar molecule in the body made from glucose and is a vital component to ATP (adenosine triphosphate). As an essential of ATP, it rapidly restores energy – especially in sick hearts and muscles that need energy. Until 1944, D-Ribose was believed to be a structural component of DNA and RNA with very little physiological importance. However, some studies that concluded in 1957 revealed that D-Ribose actually plays a significant role in the metabolic reaction known as pentose phosphate pathway. This metabolic reaction is pivotal to energy synthesis, production of genetic material, and for providing substances utilized by certain tissues in producing fatty acids and hormones.
A lot of researches on Ribose have been done, including on humans, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, and even turkeys. All have similar results – improved energy recovery in ischemic, hypoxic, or cardiomyopathic hearts and skeletal muscles. It also improved the functional performance in tissues. D-Ribose administration did not negatively affect the action of common heart drugs, even those used up to the present day.
Pioneered by Dr. Stephen Sinatra, and Dr. James Roberts, D-Ribose together with L-carnitine and CoQ10 were integrated into their patient care protocols; thus having overwhelming results. It was given to their patients who suffered from coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, and many more.
All About D-Ribose
There are many factors that determine who should take D-Ribose supplements, and when they should be taken. Generally, oxygen-starved humans, as well as animals, that were given D-Ribose supplements recovered energy and diastolic function return to normal in an average of 2 days – whereas in normal cases, it returned to normal in 10 days. Patients suffering from coronary artery disease who were treated with D-Ribose supplements showed improvements in their energy levels within one week.
Unlike other nutrients, D-Ribose cannot be referred to as being deficient in tissues. Deficiencies mean a lower amount or quantity than what is normal. D-Ribose isn’t deficient in the tissues. The tissues produce enough D-Ribose – however, only for its utilization; which means that other tissues cannot have a taste of the D-Ribose production of a certain tissue. The liver, adrenal glands, and fat tissue produce the most, while others produce very little. Tissues that rely most on aerobic energy metabolism, such as the heart and muscles are affected by ATP drain – meaning severely affected by any amount of energy deprivation. D-Ribose supplementation is the solution to this – it gives back the energy.
Patients with heart diseases who are on drug maintenance which are for the contractile strength of their heart are good candidates for D-Ribose supplements. These drugs are known as inotropic agents, and they cause the heart to beat harder – placing considerable strain on the heart’s ability to supply enough energy to support the extra metabolic stress. Having long-term treatment with such drains the energy reservoir, thus draining the heart of energy. Research and studies show that D-Ribose supplementation reduces the energy drain experienced without having any negative effect or impact on the activity of the drug.
Heart patients and those who are chronically fatigue remain in a constant state of energy depletion, leaving them constantly fatigued, weak, and with their heart function progressively worsening. Restoration of their energy pool can be accomplished by having the energy metabolism regulated through the taking of D-Ribose supplements.
Not only is D-Ribose for people suffering from heart conditions and adrenal fatigue, but also for athletes – both on maintenance or those who exert high-intensity exercise, as well as for people who have strenuous activities in their routine. Individuals recovering from heart surgery or heart attack are also candidates for D-Ribose supplements; as well as those who are waiting to have heart transplants. It is basically a naturally occurring sugar in the body that is regularly produced by the different tissues, and taking in supplements means just giving your body a little bit more in order for it to prevent from having fatigue and weak functioning.
Groundwork evidence shows that Ribose may ease the pain and fatigue of patients suffering from fibromyalgia , adrenal fatigue, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Although Ribose supplements hasn’t been extensively studied, evidences show that it improves heart function and quality of life among patients by increasing levels and availability of ATP. Although this seems so encouraging, it is important to remember that the studies on D-Ribose supplements have its limitations. The studies have no placebo group or long-term follow up.
D-Ribose Recommendations
How much D-Ribose do you really need? And do you really need it? The real questions are: How much do you need? And what exactly do you want the supplement to do for you?
Generally, D-Ribose supplements give energy-starved cells an energy boost. It is easily absorbed by the body, about 97% gets through. Patients with low energy state such as adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, as well as those with arterial and heart disease who chronically has difficulty delivering oxygen to their tissues need to take a higher dosage – and they must take it regularly. Missing one or two days may have a negative impact and will show up as weakness and fatigue.
Here are some dosage starting points:
5 grams daily for cardiovascular prevention and adrenal support ; for athletes on maintenance, and for people doing strenuous activity.
10-15 grams daily for most patients with heart failure, other forms of ischemic cardiovascular disease, for individuals recovering from heart surgery or heart attack, for treatment of stable angina, and for athletes working out in chronic sessions of high-intensity exercise. This is a also a good starting dose for those with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and adrenal fatigue.
15-30 grams daily for patients with advanced heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, or frequent angina, for people with advanced fibromyalgia or adrenal exhaustion, or neuromuscular disease, and for those awaiting heart transplant.
Start at the lower level of each range for patients suffering from heart or peripheral vascular disease. It is recommended that daily doses of 10 grams be taken as two 5-gram doses with morning and evening meals, or just before and just after exercise or activity. Larger doses such as 15 grams or more daily, be taken as three or even four smaller doses of about 5 grams each. It should be remembered that daily doses of more than 30 grams are seldom needed. Most heart patients are able to stabilize at about 10 grams daily. It is very important to take this nutrient along with food, as reactive hypoglyemia may result if taken on empty stomach.
Extensive studies have shown that D-Ribose supplements is 100% safe when taken as prescribed or directed. A lot of patients have taken D-Ribose regularly, even in large dosages – up to 60 grams a day – with only minimal side effects reported. Side effects include lightheadedness and mild diarrhea.
D-Ribose is available in various forms. The most common and bio-available is the powder form. Co-factors such as L-carnitine, co-enzyme Q10, and alpha lipoic acid, all of which enhances energy production, should be included as part of the regiment as they synergistically help D-ribose in its energy generating pathway. Look for formulas that contain all these co-factors in addition to the D-ribose.
Although there are no known contraindications of D-Ribose therapy, it is recommended that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children refrain from taking it. Before taking D-Ribose supplements, it is highly recommended that you seek your physician’s advice.
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Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.
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