Ribose
In this Article
- What other names is Ribose known by?
- What is Ribose?
- How does Ribose work?
- Are there safety concerns?
- Are there any interactions with medications?
- Dosing considerations for Ribose.
How does Ribose work?
Ribose is an energy source that the body makes from food. There is some evidence that supplemental ribose might prevent muscle fatigue in people with genetic disorders that prevent sufficient energy production by the body. It might provide extra energy to the heart during exercise in people with heart disease.Are there safety concerns?
Ribose is safe for most people when taken by mouth for short-term use. It can cause some side effects including diarrhea, stomach discomfort, nausea, headache, and low blood sugar.The safety of long-term use of ribose is not known.
Do not take ribose if:
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- You have diabetes.
- You have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- You are scheduled for surgery in the next two weeks.

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