The increasing prevalence of allergies is a rising health concern. Environmental substances and certain proteins found in foods can elicit allergic responses in susceptible individuals. There is no cure for allergies, and the desire for complementary and alternative treatments is on the rise. D-ribose is a simple sugar purported to help reduce allergies. Proponents claim that it exerts beneficial effects on cells that play a role in regulating your immune response. Consult your doctor before taking D-ribose supplements.
Allergies
Allergies vary depending on the person. They can be as mild as itchy skin or as severe as anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. Your immune system is designed to protect your body from pathogens. Allergies occur when your immune system identifies a normally harmless substance as a pathogen and sets off a chain of immune-related events. Common environmental allergens include mold, pollen and pet dander. Antihistamines are the most common allergy treatment.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria is the fuel manufacturing center of your cells. It is most commonly known for its role in energy production. However, scientists have observed that mitochondria is involved in a range of immune-related responses and plays a role in regulating your immune system. Allergies can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction increases certain allergic responses, according to a study published in the October 2009 issue of the "Journal of Immunology."
D-ribose
D-ribose is promoted for allergies because it exerts beneficial mitochondrial effects. It is shown to improve mitochondrial function and increase cellular energy. Due to this benefit, a patented form of D-ribose is used to treat cardiovascular conditions that result from, or are aggravated by, reduced mitochondrial function. Proponents believe that taking D-ribose can help relieve mitochondrial dysfunction caused by allergic reactions and decrease allergy responses. However, there are no published clinical studies observing the effect of D-ribose on allergy response.
Considerations
As a simple sugar, D-ribose is not known to cause side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you have diabetes, as it may affect your blood sugar levels. There is no recommended dose for allergies. However, studies using it for cardiovascular conditions have used 5 to 15 grams up to three times per day. Take D-ribose as the label or your physician directs.
References
- PubMed Health: Allergies
- Journal of Immunology: Mitochondrial Dysfunction Increases Allergic Airway Inflammation
- Nature Reviews Immunology: Mitochondria in Innate Immune Responses
- Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discover: The Patented Uses of D-ribose in Cardiovascular Diseases
- The Health Benefits of Ribose: The All-natural Energy Booster; Paul Addis, Ph.D.
