Ribose Supplementation info

[DaRk_StAr]

Why take D-Ribose
Large amounts of ATP, the body's primary energy-carrying molecule, can be lost from heart and skeletal muscle cells during strenuous exercise or during periods of restricted cardiovascular or peripheral circulation. Ribose, a naturally occurring pentose sugar (table sugar is a hexose sugar), allows the body to quickly replenish lost ATP energy stores. Studies show that ribose can increase both the new synthesis and recovery of adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, and AMP). Ribose, taken before, during and after high-intensity exercise, will help maintain high energy levels and provide peak performance.

The story of Energy and Recovery
ATP, composed of adenosine (adenine combined with ribose) coupled to three molecules of phosphate, is the primary source of energy required for all living cells.

Energy is produced when ATP loses a phosphate molecule, and is reduced to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is formed after the loss of another phosphate molecule. These adenine nucleotides work in a delicate balance to maintain normal cellular health and function. The key to cellular energy conservation lies in ATP turnover, where ATP is recycled billions of times per second. In aerobic (presence of oxygen) metabolism, the recharging of ADP back to ATP (adding back its phosphate) is quick and efficient, whereas in anaerobic (lack of oxygen) metabolism, the turnover of ADP back to ATP cannot keep up with the energy demands of the cell.

During anaerobic metabolism, in an attempt to keep up with cellular energy demands, 2 ADP's combine to form 1 ATP and 1 AMP, by way of a metabolic process called the myokinase reaction. As a result, AMP builds up in the cell, and disturbs the ratio of ATP to ADP and AMP, which the cell works to keep in check. To do this, AMP concentrations must be lowered by degrading AMP to simpler end products, which are washed out of the cell and lost forever.

The final result, is a dramatic decrease in the adenine nucleotide pool. In fact, the adenine nucleotide pool can decrease by as much as 50% in heart muscle following ischemia (diminished blood flow to tissues), and around 32% in skeletal muscle following high - intensity exercise. When the adenine nucleotide pool is reduced, performance and recovery are compromised very noticeably.

Ribose, when taken as a nutritional supplement, bypasses the slow conversion steps needed to recreate the adenosine nucleotide, and is readily available for the creation of more ATP.

Investigative studies and confirming reports from those who have taken ribose, show that ribose provides: an overall increase in physical energy levels; substantial increases in cardiovascular fitness and exercise; substantial reduction in recovery time following strenuous exercise or heavy labor; increased exercise performance and endurance, and; substantial reduction in post-exercise stiffness and cramping.

Ribose and Sports Nutrition
It has been determined in over 150 published peer-reviewed reports that ribose is effective in increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and total adenine nucleotide (TAN) recovery and improving functional performance in heart and skeletal muscle following ischemia or anoxia. These conditions may be brought on in the heart by various cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease or surgery, or in skeletal muscle by high-intensity exercise, peripheral vascular disease or muscle enzyme deficiency diseases that influence energy metabolism.

Why is Ribose Effective?
Ribose increases both de novo (new) synthesis and salvage of nucleotides in heart and skeletal muscle. In anaerobic conditions, as are present with ischemia or anoxia, adenine nucleotides are catabolized to inosine and adenine, which are further degraded metabolically and washed out of heart and muscle cells. As a result, total adenine nucleotide pools, particularly as evidenced by ATP content, are depressed. This depression may last for several days before baseline levels can be reestablished.

Heart and skeletal muscle cells cannot quickly replace lost nucleotides due to low availability of two rate limiting enzymes in the Pentose Phosphate Pathway, which metabolizes glucose to ribose-5-phosphate. Ribose, in turn, forms 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate, which is a limiting compound in both nucleotide de novo synthesis and salvage. Supplemental ribose bypasses the rate limiting steps of the Pentose Phosphate Pathway, speeding syntheses of nucleotides that may be lost form the cell through catabolism and salvage of nucleotides, creating flux back to ATP before they can be washed away.

Ribose Dose Suggestions for Sports Nutrition
Ribose increases both new synthesis and salvage of nucleotides in heart and skeletal muscle. Research conducted by Bioenergy and others suggests that even low doses of ribose will have an effect on energy recovery following high-intensity exercise. Maintenance doses as low as two grams per day will increase recovery of lost nucleotides by increasing synthesis and salvage of nucleotides that are in danger of being lost due to strenuous activity. Further, there appears to be a functional benefit of ribose loading prior to a high-intensity event. Bioenergy continues to investigate this effect.

Doses greater than or equal to 2.2 grams per day should be enough to improve nucleotide synthesis and salvage during and following a high-intensity exercise session. The actual amount taken may depend on the degree of exercise activity and the speed at which the athlete wants to recover. Daily maintenance doses greater than or equal to 2.2 grams per day should keep ATP levels at their peak.

Maintenance doses of ribose should be taken about 340 minutes following an exercise session. On days with no exercise scheduled, ribose should be taken in the evening before bedtime. However, ribose has been found to be most effective if taken both before and after a period of anaerobic metabolism. Therefore, for optimum result, a dose of 2.2 grams or more may be taken before exercise, followed by a similar dose following exercise.

Long-term aerobic exercise also causes nucleotide depletion. Again, maintenance doses of 2.2 grams should be sufficient. However, additional doses of 1.0 - 2.2 grams may be taken every hour of exercise for added benefit, such as during a long distance run or cycling event, or figure skating practice, etc.

[DaRk_StAr]

Ribose / Creatine Combination
Ribose and creatine work together. Creatine phosphate works to increase energy by supplying phosphate to recycle adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into ATP. When an ATP molecule, in for example a skeletal or heart muscle cell, releases its energy to contract that cell, it looses a phosphate. Now, this energy molecule has lost one phosphate and is called ADP or Adenosine Di-phosphate (Di– meaning two). It is now at a lower energy state and needs to be recharged back to its tri-phosphate configuration. This is where Creatine comes into play. Creatine picks up a phosphate and donates it to the ADP molecule rebuilding it into ATP. Now your ATP is reloaded, so to speak, and ready to supply more energy.

A muscle has only enough ATP stored to perform high-intensity muscle contractions for about 10 seconds. For the energy system to continue, more ATP must be
produced. Creatine phosphate gives its phosphate molecule up, to ADP to create more ATP. The ability to regenerate ATP (from ADP), depends on the supply of creatine phosphate in the muscles.

Research Supported Sports Benefits of Ribose
RIBOSE ENHANCES PERFORMANCE
Antonio, J., D. Van Gammeren, and D. FaIk. University of Nebraska, Kearney, NB, The Effects of Ribose Supplementation on Body Composition and Exercise Performance in Recreational Male
Bodybuilders. September 2000. Data on file with Bioenergy, Inc.

RIBOSE INCREASES POWER
Witter, J., P. Gallagher, D. Williamson, M. Goddard, and S. Trappe. Ball State University, Muncie, IN, Effect of ribose supplementation on nucleotide depletion following high-intensity exercise in human skeletal muscle. Presentation at American College of Sports Medicine 46th Annual Meeting, June 1999.

Witter, J., P. Gallagher, D. Williamson, M. Goddard, and S. Trappe. Ball State University, Muncie, IN, Effects of ribose supplementation on performance during repeated high-intensity cycle sprints. June 2000. Presentation at American College of Sports Medicine, Midwest Regional Chapter Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, Ml, October 5-7, 2000.

RIBOSE INCREASES ENDURANCE
Witter, J., P. Gallagher, D Williamson, M. Goddard, and S. Trappe. Ball State University, Muncie, IN, Effects of ribose supplementation on performance during repeated high-intensity cycle sprints. June 2000. Presentation at American College of Sports Medicine, Midwest Regional Chapter Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, Ml, October 5-7, 2000.

RIBOSE REDUCES FATIGUE
Witter, J., P. Gallagher, D Williamson, M. Goddard, and S. Trappe. Ball State University, Muncie, IN, Effects of ribose supplementation on performance during repeated high-intensity cycle sprints. June 2000. Presentation at American College of Sports Medicine, Midwest Regional Chapter Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, MI, October 5-7, 2000.

Brault, J., and Terjung, R., University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, Purine Salvage Rates Differ Among Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types And Are Limited By Ribose Supply. Presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine 46 Annual Meeting, June 1999.

RIBOSE SHORTENS RECOVERY TIME
Witter, J., P. Gallagher, 0. Williamson, M. Goddard, and S. Trappe. Effects of ribose supplementation on adenine nucleotide concentration in skeletal muscle following high-intensity exercise. Presentation at American College of Sports Medicine, Midwest Regional Chapter Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, Ml, October 5-7, 2000.

Brault, J., and Terjung, R., University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, Purine Salvage Is Not Reduced During Recovery Following Intense Contractions. Presentation at American College of Sports and Medicine 47 Annual Meeting, June 2000.

The above statements and references excerpted from information provided courtesy of Bioenergy, Inc.

[DaRk_StAr]

Q: What’s the maximum safe dose of oral ribose supplements?

A: Research shows that up to 60-gram doses are safe. No one has yet examined doses higher than that. Such doses of ribose are not recommended, however. Dose levels greater than 20 grams may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and possibly diarrhea. That can happen with any carbohydrate consumed in single large doses.

In addition, high-dose ribose can lead to a slight, asymptomatic decrease in blood glucose levels. Some speculate that this is due to a mild insulin reaction that drives glucose out of the blood into tissues. The effect has occurred in studies involving dogs, but the human-based research isn’t as clear at this point. Since athletes taking ribose will also likely get other carbohydrates, this effect should be of no particular consequence, since the carb ingestion will maintain blood glucose levels.

My company, Bioenergy, has obtained premarket clearance for sale of ribose as a supplement in doses of up to 20 grams. That would certainly be considered a safe dose.

Q: Are there any long-term studies examining the effects of ingesting oral ribose supplements?

A: Several studies have examined the safety of ribose supplementation and infusion. One involved giving 60 grams a day to a single subject for one year without incident. Bioenergy has conducted laboratory-animal safety studies and found ribose to be safe; however, there aren’t any studies that have investigated very long-term ribose ingestion at any dose level.

Bioenergy is engaged in clinical trials using ribose as an injectable drug. They’re being conducted under an Investigational New Drug submission with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are about to move into phase-three, or multicenter trials. That means ribose has passed the first two safety hurdles required by FDA standards.

Q: How long should the supplemental ribose be taken without a break?

A: Again, to maintain adenine nucleotide levels at their peak, I’d suggest taking at least a maintenance dose daily. Clearly, that can be lower with less strenuous activity and increased as exercise intensity goes up.

Q: Are there any known medical contraindications to using oral ribose supplements, such as possible allergies or worsening of existing diseases? In short, are there some people who should not use this supplement?

A: Again, the only known side effects that have appeared thus far involved gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea when large single doses of ribose were taken. However, anyone with hypoglycemia or a tendency to rapid changes in blood glucose levels should consult a physician before using ribose supplements.

Q: Some articles have warned against combining ribose with protein supplements. Is that correct?

A: There’s confusion on that point. In a short book recently published about ribose, Edmund Burke, Ph.D., suggests that ribose not be taken with protein-containing compounds, such as various types of supplements. The reason Burke suggests that is simple: Ribose is known as a reducing sugar, which means that when it mixes with certain other compounds, it creates reactions that convert it into something else.

For example, when ribose is mixed with protein and heated, it forms what’s called the Milliard reaction with amino acids contained in the protein. That’s the same process that turns meat brown when cooked and provides the typical aroma of cooked beef. In this case the functional benefits of ribose are lost. If the protein isn’t heated or cooked, however, the Milliard reaction doesn’t occur.

So, if you keep a protein mixture cold, no problems occur in reaction to ribose. If, however, ribose is mixed with protein and warmed up, such as what happens when you leave a protein drink in the hot sun or a hot car, a Milliard reaction may occur, and the functional benefit of ribose may be lost.

Q: What’s the best way to take ribose supplements? With carbs, with meals or on an empty stomach?

A: The best way to take ribose is probably with other carbohydrates or alone on an empty stomach. That would ensure maximum absorption. However, I’d suggest taking ribose an hour or so before and/or about 30 minutes after exercise. Cardiac research involving ribose shows that it improves performance when taken before and after stress. For long-term aerobic events, though, it may also be beneficial to use ribose during the event. Note that if used in this manner, a low dose is advisable to avoid an embarrassing side effect, such as diarrhea.

Q: How long does it take to feel the effects of a ribose supplement?

A: In our experience about 60 percent of the people who’ve taken ribose supplements actually feel an effect. Some say they just have more energy. Others believe they can train harder and longer. It usually takes about three or four days to get those feelings. I would emphasize, however, that the research suggests that everyone taking ribose will get a beneficial effect if he or she exercises hard enough to deplete adenine nucleotide pools. Users may not feel it, but ribose is still working to enhance their energy and recovery. The biochemistry about this is quite clear. Adenine nucleotides decrease in all strenuous exercise under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. If an athlete exercises hard enough to lower cellular energy charge, then ribose will assist in recovery. It’s like a rapid recharge on a rechargeable battery.

[DaRk_StAr]

The benefits of ribose in cardiovascular disease.

Pauly DF, Johnson C, St Cyr JA.

Division of Cardiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Cardiovascular disease still ranks as the leading cause of death in men and women. Adults have tried to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease by improving their diet, quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure and exercising regularly. Additionally, many adults have turned to nutriceutical or natural products. Myocardial ischemia, produces a depression in myocardial tissue levels of high energy compounds, along with a compromise in myocardial function. Ribose, a naturally occurring sugar, has been extensively investigated, both in animal and clinical studies, as an agent to enhance the recovery of these depressed energy compounds. Results of these studies have been promising in enhancing the recovery of these energy molecules along with an improvement in myocardial function. Therefore, ribose should be considered as a potential agent in the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease.

Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial

PMID: 12606226 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[R_N_S]

just hasn't panned out in the real world, good theory, good concept, bad results

[DaRk_StAr]

i think maybe it just hasnt caught on .....and people would rather use stuff like creatine.

[R_N_S]

i've tried it, noticed nothing different, if it does anything it's not going to be cost effective in the least

if it worked, it wouldn't slip under everybody's nose

[Denari]

What Chuck Diesal says:

"Part 2- "The Bioenergy Ribose difference"-

Bioenergy is the industry leader in D-Ribose research. They supply the very best D-Ribose on the face of the earth. Bioenergy has an exclusive patent for the manufacturing and sale of D-Ribose in several countries as a supplement to increase ATP.

If you have used D-Ribose in the past and got poor results it probably was for 1 of 3 reasons.


The product you used didn't contain Bioenergy D-Ribose.
The product you used contained less than 2g of Bioenergy Ribose per serving.
The product you used contained a large amount of D-Ribose, it just wasn't Bioenergy.
If you do not hear any mention of Bioenergy D-Ribose from a supplement manufacture it probably contains inferior D-Ribose from China. Believe me those who use Bioenergy D-Ribose want you to know it.

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) it's easy to tell if you are using "crap" D-Ribose. Bioenergy D-Ribose equals the standard, the only D-Ribose patented in the United States and several other country's for use as a supplement to increase ATP in the body. Other than Bioenergy D-Ribose you got "low bioavailability-looks like salt not flour- D-Ribose" from China.

Plain and simple use Bioenergy D-Ribose or don't even bother.
"

[R_N_S]

shocking, he sells a product with the first ingrediant being Ribose, and he says it works awesome

maybe it does, maybe it doesn't, all I know is I tried it, saw nothing

also, nobody asks about it on the boards, how often do you see posts about it, if something works there's a constant buzz about it, look at all the protein/creatine questions. Trust me, great compounds are not slipping under your nose, there would be a lot of talk about them and it would be obvious it's a good product.

[Denari]

Yep, theres definitely always a buzz here and on other forums about what really works. Its been around for awhile, so I dont think it has, like mentioned above, panned out.

[kabukirocks]

NOS Ether certainly works for me. Don't know what impact the D-ribose in that mixture plays a part in that. but it does work, and is talked about on these boards.

I purchased some bulk ribose a few years back...didn't do a damn thing for me.