Whether you’re an athlete looking for that extra boost or someone who suffers from chronic fatigue, a ribose supplement can help you enhance energy levels. While focusing on D-ribose, the D portion of this compound can be manufactured in the heart, as well as other muscles.
In order to synthesise ATP, D-ribose is essential and without ATP, our cells cannot generate energy. When your mitochondria dysfunctions long-term, numerous serious effects can occur. Meaning, if D-ribose levels are too low, ATP synthesis is hindered, resulting in poor energy levels. When energy levels are low, cognitive functioning and physical health are affected.
Taking a ribose supplement, supports proper ATP production, reducing your risk of mitochondrial dysfunction. For those who are training or aiming to reach various bodybuilding goals, a ribose supplement can assist the recovery process after an intense workout, ribose allows the muscles to repair more effectively.
Why Should I Take Ribose Supplements?
As mentioned, D-ribose is correlated with enhanced energy levels, being recognized as specialized fuel. Glucose is, of course, a key source of fuel. Although it provides our bodies with energy, sugars such as sucrose and lactose can give off harmful by-products. D-ribose, on the other hand, is reserved in the body for special metabolic functioning, such as fueling the brain and heart.
As long as your muscles and heart are healthy, they are capable of producing all the ribose that the body requires. Once muscles are no longer in optimal health, D-ribose synthesis can be negatively affected. Once a deficiency occurs, muscles and organs do not function at an optimal level. As cells aim to produce more ATP and muscles do not supply enough D-ribose, this is when mitochondrial dysfunction occurs.
The Adverse Effects of Low ATP Levels
As mentioned, when mitochondrial dysfunction takes place, symptoms such as muscle pain, chronic fatigue, and stiffness occur. As muscles try to repair themselves, more energy is used. Since ATP levels are already low at this point and a constant need for energy is required in order to combat symptoms like pain and stiffness, a cycle begins and fatigue becomes more apparent.
Normally, individuals experience delayed onset muscle soreness approximately three to four days after physical activity. When individuals are energy deficient, muscles aren’t able to recover as rapidly and healing occurs at a slower pace. As fatigue continues, performance is hindered and symptoms can become fairly intensified.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is serious, as it can produce numerous significant side effects, including issues with one’s kidneys, low-performing white blood cells, decreased liver function, chronic fatigue, and poor neurotransmitter signaling efficiency. These are just some of the effects, as low levels can also cause:
- Detoxification issues leading to potential blood contamination
- Brain fog
- Poor signaling of acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin
- Increased accumulation of lactic acid in muscles, hindering recovery times
- Poor digestive functioning and nutrient absorption
- Decreased immune function
- Degrading heart muscle
What the Research Has to Say
Research regarding D-ribose supplements has shown that this compound does increase energy levels. When energy production increases, feelings of overall well-being also increase. In one recent study, when participants took a D-ribose supplement, energy production increased by 44.7 percent.
Amazingly, 70 percent of these subjects also reported greater optimism. This makes sense, as chronic fatigue has been linked to depression. A lack of energy will affect every aspect of your well-being, both mental and physical. If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, D-ribose could significantly improve energy levels and overall well-being.
Are There Any Side Effects When Taking Ribose Supplements?
Before you take any new supplement, it’s critical that you understand the potential side effects involved. Since humans naturally manufacture D-ribose and it is prominent in nature, supplementation is believed to be safe. It is important to note, however, that some individuals experience a reduction in blood pressure or blood glucose levels.
For pregnant women and those who have upcoming surgeries, D-ribose supplementation is not recommended. The same is true regarding those with diabetes, low blood pressure, and those who have kidney or liver disease. This supplement could interact with other medications and prescription drugs, so it’s important to speak to your physician before use.
How Much Should I Take?
At this time, the FDA has not reported specific dosing guidelines for either Ribose powder or tablets. The general recommended range is between 5 to 15 grams daily. For those with fibromyalgia, doses of 30 grams may be used in order to target symptoms of this neuromuscular disease. At doses this high, your physician should be aware of what you’re taking.
For anyone that suffers from muscle pain and stiffness, 10 grams of D-ribose powder or capsules for three weeks has been shown to improve symptoms. In comparison, those who did not take ribose supplements continued to experience fatigue even when they rested for extended periods of time.
