D-ribose is a monosaccharide, or a type of simple sugar containing one sugar molecule, and is found throughout your body's cells as part of various compounds, such as RNA in the cell nucleus, as well as in adenosine, which plays a role in energy production in your muscles. D-ribose derived from corn sugar can be found in some nutritional supplements marketed toward athletes as a means to promote faster recovery from exercise. Some side effects of D-ribose supplements may occur. Consult your physician before using any supplements containing D-ribose.
Mild Side Effects
Supplements containing D-ribose are generally considered to be safe, according to Dr Andrew Weil, MD, and may cause side effects including light-headedness and mild diarrhea. The maximum recommended daily dose of D-ribose is five grams, three times a day, or 15 g per day, taken with food. Higher doses than this may increase your risk of developing side effects from D-ribose.
Low Blood Sugar
Very high doses of D-ribose may induce hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, also called insulin shock, may cause a wide variety of symptoms, including cold sweats, convulsions, double vision, increased heart rate, headache, irritability, nervousness, tremors, insomnia, numbness, weakness, and confusion. If you are diabetic, or suffer from clinically low blood sugar, hypoglycemia can cause seizures and coma.
Uric Acid
According to the Food and Drug Administration, some studies have found D-ribose supplementation causes an increase in uric acid. High uric acid levels, called hyperuricemia, may not cause significant adverse effects in most people, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, some individuals may develop gout, kidney stones, or kidney failure resulting from high uric acid levels. Uric acid levels may increase prior to the development of high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, although no direct connection has been established.
Precautions
If you suffer from certain chronic diseases and other conditions, you should avoid supplements containing D-ribose, as it may worsen the symptoms associated with your condition, according to the book, "Essentials of Sports Nutrition and Supplements" by Jose Antonio, et al. D-ribose supplements should not be used if you are diabetic, suffer from hypoglycemia, are recovering from surgery, or if you have cardiovascular disease, especially low blood pressure. D-ribose should also be avoided by women who are nursing or pregnant, because not enough is known about its safety during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
References
- "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport"; Melvin H. Williams; 2002
- DrWeil.com; Does Ribose Really Energize?; Andrew Weil; 2007
- Pub Med Health; Hypoglycemia
- FDA; Agency Response Letter GRAS Notice No. GRN 000243
- Mayo Clinic; High Uric Acid Level
- "Essentials of Sports Nutrition and Supplements"; Jose Antonio, Douglass Kalman, Jeffrey R. Stout, and Mike Greenwood; 2008
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