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Overview: Ribose (or D-ribose) is a simple sugar that your body needs to make energy and certain molecules. It is naturally found in your body and is also available over the counter as a dietary supplement. These supplements are used for various reasons, but their benefits are not well defined. Ribose may cause low blood sugar levels in some people. Before taking ribose, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is ribose used for?

Ribose is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Here are some common reasons why people use ribose.

 

  • Heart failure
  • Muscle recovery after exercise
  • To improve physical performance

Note: The FDA has not reviewed ribose for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does ribose work (mechanism of action)?

Ribose (or D-ribose) is a simple sugar that acts as a building block for RNA, which is a molecule needed for many body functions. This means that the cells in your body need ribose to work properly. Ribose is also a building block for adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is one of your body’s main sources of energy. Ribose is found in many different foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables. However, it is not clear how much ribose your body absorbs from food.

 

ATP is an important source of energy, and your body needs ribose to make ATP. Hence, there is interest in taking ribose to improve exercise performance and support muscle recovery after exercise. But it is not clear whether taking ribose by mouth can increase the levels of ribose or ATP in your muscles. The benefits of ribose for physical performance or muscle recovery are not well defined.

 

Some scientists have theorized that people with heart failure may not make enough ATP to keep up with their needs. As a result, some ribose products are marketed for heart failure and other heart problems. But it is unclear if ATP levels are actually related to heart failure or if taking ribose supplements can help improve any heart failure symptoms. More research is needed to understand if or how ribose may work for this use.

How should I store ribose?

You should store ribose according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ribose?

The most common side effect of ribose is a drop in blood sugar levels (see below). This side effect may vary depending on how high of a dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of ribose that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ribose?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ribose are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ribose may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ribose and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Ribose may lower blood sugar levels in some people. In rare cases, these low levels can be serious and may lead to death. This risk may be higher in people taking high doses of ribose, those who already have low blood sugar levels, or those who are using medicines that lower blood sugar levels, such as insulin. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ribose?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ribose.

  • D-ribose
  • Ribose
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ribose products they stock.

What should I know about ribose before using it?

Ribose is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep ribose out of the reach of children.

If you are using ribose powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and measure the amount stated on the label.

The FDA has not tested ribose products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ribose?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ribose is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ribose may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking ribose, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ribose could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ribose passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does ribose interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ribose and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ribose.

Does ribose interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss whether you are using any of the following before taking ribose.

  • A medicine for diabetes
  • Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol, ubiquinone), which is available as a supplement

The interactions between ribose and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with ribose is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking ribose with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ribose?

If you or someone else has used too much ribose, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take ribose safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.