The chemical energy the body uses is made up of one molecule of adenosine and three of phosphate. Now, adenosine, in turn, consists of one molecule of adenine and one molecule of D-ribose.

Function

  Taking ATP orally is unfortunately not possible since it cannot be digested (it is completely destroyed during the digestive process). The theoretical assumption is that by taking in precursors, such as ribose, and thus contributing to the supply of raw material from which the body can synthesise ATP endogenously, one will still have an increased supply of the latter. Research seems to confirm this idea: in particular, there is evidence that the intake of ribose promotes muscle recovery during the intervals between one effort and another. In a study by Antonio (2002), young bodybuilders showed an increase in strength (but not muscle mass) following ribose administration.

Negative notes

  Ribose has a strongly hypoglycaemic function. Some subjects have also experienced concentration difficulties and headaches after taking ribose. The cause is undoubtedly the hypoglycaemia to which it leads, since organs such as the brain mainly feed on glucose and only exceptionally draw the energy they need from ketone bodies. It is therefore not recommended to take it in combination with other blood-glucose-lowering products (such as creatine).

Form and posology

  Most ribose supplements are commercially available in the form of solublepowder and tablets. With regard to dosage, there is great inter-individual variability in sensitivity to the molecule, so it is not possible to give general guidelines. It is suggested to start with the minimum dosage recommended on the label of the product purchased and to try increasing the dose very slowly and gradually. The optimal dose will obviously be the one in which efficacy and absence of adverse effects are combined. Should adverse effects appear, but not performance benefits, this supplement should be discontinued. It is recommended to take ribose about an hour before the physical load.