The dangers of D-Ribose

Introduction

The biochemical agent ribose is present as L and D enantiomers. D-ribose is commonly found in nature and the human body. There is also a synthetic version known as L-ribose, which cannot be found in natural environments. The L-ribose enantiomer is unstable. Thus, D-ribose is the primary functional isoform of ribose. D-ribose is a highly water-soluble 5-carbon sugar, also known as D-furanose, present in different types of RNA molecules, including mRNA, transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA. It is frequently consumed as a supplement to enhance athletic performance and exercise recovery[1].

History

D-ribose was first identified as a physiologically important molecule in humans in 1958; however, its physiological and pathological roles in humans, particularly in diseases, are still being studied. Until 1970, D-ribose had only been known to serve as a means of increasing blood sugar levels in states of low energy. D-ribose was subsequently indicated to be clinically beneficial for treating certain diseases, such as congestive heart failure (CHF). Although D-ribose is not stored in cells, it is essential in cell resynthesizing, remedial synthesis, ischemia, and hypoxia. D-ribose may also be supplemented intravenously via oral therapy or other exogenous means and is utilized in several scenarios, including the clinic, in athletes and in healthcare. Energy is rapidly recharged via the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Source

D-ribose can be found in the following food sources:

Grass-fed beef

Poultry

Anchovies

Herring

Sardines

Eggs

Milk

Yogurt

Cheddar cheese

Cream cheese

Mushrooms

However, it can be challenging to get enough from dietary sources. That is why many people choose to take a supplement.

Side effects

D-ribose is generally safe as a short-term supplement for those recovering from Adrenal Fatigue. However, D-ribose side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and stomach discomfort. It also has been shown to cause a drop in blood sugar levels. This might seem counter-intuitive, given that D-ribose is a sugar, but because it is a sugar, it triggers the secretion of insulin[2]. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas and manages the breakdown of glucose, the main sugar in the human diet. However, when taking a D-ribose supplement, insulin breaks down glucose in the bloodstream despite not having consumed glucose. This causes a drop in blood sugar. If you have diabetes or hypoglycemia or are otherwise sensitive to changes in blood sugar, you should not take D-ribose. If you take any prescription drugs or other supplements that are shown to decrease blood sugar levels, you should also be careful of the combination. Always take D-ribose with food or other compounds, such as collagen, to reduce metabolic swings, which are especially common in those who are weak or have sensitive bodies. The combination of D-ribose and collagen provides metabolic stability, increased energy, and support for the adrenal glands during stress.

High D-ribose concentrations may also cause chronic diabetes complications by other means. D-ribose may glycosylate insulin to form ribosyl insulin, activate Caspase-9 and -3/-7, trigger transcription factor NF-κB and produce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may cause cytotoxic damage to the surrounding tissues and cells, eventually leading to the manifestation of chronic complications. Thus, high concentrations of D-ribose may be a cause of the complications of chronic diabetes.

References

[1] Ying Song. “A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive and behavioral tests in rodents treated with different doses of D-ribose.” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2022): 1036315.

[2] Shuai Li. “D-ribose: Potential clinical applications in congestive heart failure and diabetes, and its complications (Review).” Experimental and therapeutic medicine (2021): 496.

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