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Benefits of Ribose Supplement

Ribose or also known as d-ribose is a simple sugar that living cells produce from glucose or blood sugar. Ribose is one of the components that make up an ATP or adenosine triphosphate molecule. ATP is used for energy conversion for all cellular processes. Without it the tissues aren't able to function.

Ribose is also a component of ribonucleic acid or RNA molecule and also DNA. One of the functions of RNA is to synthesize protein.

A healthy individual doesn't need ribose supplement as every cell in the body will produce sufficient amount or ribose that the body needs daily.

Ribose deficiency may occur if a person has a health issue such as high blood pressure, heart disease or is taking prescription medication to lower cholesterol levels. Aging and injury will cause stress to the heart and skeletal muscles which will also affect the production of ATP.

These conditions especially coronary artery disease will cause a decrease in blood flow to the heart muscles and thus the oxygen supply. Studies indicate that taking d-ribose supplement may help increase the ATP levels in the heart and restore the blood flow, oxygen levels and cardiac function.

People with heart disease must do some safe exercises to keep the heart under control. When combined with coenzyme Q10, ribose may help provide the energy to the heart and relief the symptoms of fatigue and weakness.

Ribose is also used as a remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome. It increases the production of energy in the heart and muscles and helps overcome lack of energy, muscle fatigue and feeling drained upon awakening from sleep.

Ribose may also help relieve the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia such as pains in the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. According to a research about 66% of the patients who were given ribose supplement experienced improvements.

A muscle disease called myoadenylate deaminase deficiency or MAD affects the ability of the cells to process ATP. The symptoms of MAD include cramps and stiffness after exercise. Taking d-ribose may help prevent or reduce the symptoms.

If you are taking creatine supplement to aid in increasing muscle strength, athletic performance and endurance, include ribose supplement. This is because creatine will feed your muscles with the short term energy boost while ribose will sustain your energy levels during repeated workout sessions.

D ribose side effects are mild. They may cause diarrhea, headache, nausea and stomach upset. Take note that d ribose may lower blood sugar so it shouldn't be taken with diabetes medication or if have hypoglycemia. The best thing to do before taking ribose orally is to talk to a physician or health care practitioner.

To get natural sources of ribose, eat foods that are rich in riboflavin or vitamin B2 such as dairy products, eggs, lean meat, green leafy vegetables and nuts. Ribose supplement is available in the form of ribose powder, capsules and tablets. It is produced from the fermentation of corn syrup.