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):
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.
References: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.