Ribose: Uses and Risks

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Ribose shows promise in improving cardiac function and enhancing NAD+ levels, which can be beneficial for individuals with coronary artery disease or those seeking to improve metabolic health. However, its efficacy in enhancing exercise performance is not supported by current evidence. While ribose appears to be safe for use in the studied contexts, further research is needed to fully understand its potential applications and limitations.

Uses of Ribose

Cardiac Health and Ischaemia
Ribose has been shown to have potential benefits in cardiac health, particularly in conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD). In a study involving patients with severe CAD, ribose supplementation improved the heart’s tolerance to ischaemia. This was evidenced by a significant increase in treadmill walking time until the onset of ST-segment depression, indicating enhanced cardiac energy metabolism and function1. Additionally, ribose has been found to improve diastolic function and quality of life in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), suggesting its role in enhancing cardiac hemodynamics3.

NAD+ Metabolome Enhancement
Ribose, when combined with nicotinamide (as in the supplement RiaGev), has been shown to significantly increase the NAD+ metabolome in healthy middle-aged adults. This increase is associated with improved glucose tolerance, reduced fatigue, and enhanced mental concentration and motivation. The study reported no significant adverse effects, indicating that ribose is safe for this purpose2.

Risks of Ribose

Exercise Performance
Despite its benefits in cardiac health, ribose supplementation does not appear to enhance exercise performance or ATP recovery in muscle tissues. A study found that oral ribose supplementation did not improve maximal intermittent exercise performance or post-exercise muscle ATP recovery, suggesting that its benefits may be limited to specific conditions rather than general athletic performance4.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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