Ribose

Ribose is a sugar present in all life. Ribose is the sugar contained in the backbone of the RNA helix, and with minor modification, deoxyribose is the sugar contained in the backbone of the DNA helix. Ribose is also a component of ATP, which is the source of cellular energy, as well as many other macromolecules critical to life.

Ribose is a critical component of many biological macromolecules as written above.

Ribose is made by our bodies and deficiency is unknown.

Ribose is sometimes used to boost energy in heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or during exercise. Athletes often use ribose as a pre-workout supplement to enhance endurance and reduce muscle fatigue. Ribose is sometimes advocated to boost the immune system and/or cognitive function. However, few studies have been performed, and no good scientific evidence exists to support ribose for any condition.

High doses of ribose can lead to diarrhea, nausea, headache, or hypoglycemia. Side effects are unlikely in the moderate dosing present in ActivNeeds.

There is no standard laboratory testing for ribose.