Evidence supporting the use of: D-Ribose
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
D-Ribose is a naturally occurring sugar that plays a critical role in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier within cells. The rationale for its use as an athletic and exercise aid centers on the hypothesis that supplemental D-Ribose may help replenish ATP stores more rapidly following intense exercise, potentially reducing fatigue and enhancing recovery. Several small-scale clinical trials have investigated these claims. Some studies have reported modest benefits, such as improved recovery of ATP levels and enhanced exercise tolerance, particularly among individuals with compromised cardiac function or those engaged in high-intensity, repetitive exercise. However, evidence in healthy, trained athletes is inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and methodological weaknesses.
A systematic review of the available literature indicates that while D-Ribose supplementation may have a theoretical benefit based on its biochemical role, robust clinical evidence supporting significant improvements in athletic performance or exercise recovery in healthy populations is lacking. The majority of reputable sports and nutrition organizations do not currently endorse D-Ribose as a proven ergogenic aid. Overall, the scientific evidence supporting D-Ribose for athletic and exercise performance is limited and warrants further well-designed research.
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by D-Ribose
Athletic and Exercise AidsBody Building
Convalescence
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Heart (weakness)