D-Ribose is a simple, five-carbon sugar found naturally in our bodies. Unlike other sugars, D-Riboseis not consumed. Rather, it is preserved for the vital work of actually making the energy molecule (ATP) that powers our hearts, muscles, brains, and every other tissue in the body.

A key molecule, adenosine triphosphate (ATP for short), is known as the energy currency of the cell because the amount of ATP we have in our tissues determines whether we will be fatigued, or will have the energy we need to live vital, active lives. Ribose provides the key building block of ATP, and the presence of ribose in the cell stimulates the metabolic pathway the body uses to actually make this vital compound. If the cell does not have enough D-Ribose, it cannot make ATP.

When cells become energy starved, D-Ribose is critical to energy recovery.

Healthy muscle can normally make all the ribose it needs. When tissue is stressed by exercise, rest will usually allow it to fully recover. The muscle may be sore during recovery, as we frequently see for the three or four days after a hard day of yard work or after a weekend pick up football game, but eventually energy levels are restored and the soreness disappears.

Supplementing with D-ribose can help the body restore energy quickly. It supplies muscles with the power they need to fully recharge. A study in 2003 demonstrated that those subjects who used D-Ribose had greater work output than similar test subjects who did not use D-Ribose, without any measurable changes in exercise capacity or in the formation of negative metabolic markers. D-Ribosehelps and it is safe*.

Here’s a simple recipe for making a powerful energy drink. I use the following before going to the club for a workout. I mix ½ teaspoon sea salt, 1 to 2 teaspoons D-Ribose, and a little lemon juice in warm (or room temperature) clean water for a total of about 10 to 12 ounces. That, plus another 12 ounces of water prepares me for a good workout and rapid recovery – no aches or pains.

Since I’m constantly recommending it to people, we started stocking it in our store. I suppose it’s easier to recommend something I can physically hand you in our pharmacy than to talk with my hands about something we’ve been using at home for years.

*Like any added sugar, D-Ribose could lower blood sugar. When used along with diabetes medications, it might make blood sugar drop too low. It’s best not to use D-Ribose if you have diabetes or low blood sugar.