Can a simple sugar provide relief for the millions of people afflicted with Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? That’s what researchers set out to learn in a recent study of a supplement called D-ribose or ribose.
Ribose is a naturally occurring sugar made in the body from glucose and is an essential component of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), the compound that stores and delivers energy in every cell of the body. For years, athletes and body builders have used ribose to enhance energy and performance. In fact, it’s a natural fit for anyone who uses creatine for muscle building, as ribose helps kick-start the metabolic process of making the ATP needed for explosive workouts.
It’s this ability to increase ATP that has researchers asking whether ribose can help those suffering with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia, as both may be related to a shortage of ATP. While each condition presents its own set of challenging symptoms, they also have several that often go hand-in-hand. In fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, 50 to 70% of people with Chronic Fatigue also fit the criteria for Fibromyalgia, and vice versa.
To determine whether supplementing with ribose could help, researchers gave ribose to thirty-six people with Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, or both. At the end of the study, people reported significant improvements in energy levels, sleep patterns, mental clarity, pain intensity, and feelings of well-being. The average energy increase was 45%, and about 66% of the people said that they felt “somewhat better to much better” while taking ribose.
While there are many good ribose products available, I prefer Jarrow Formulas D-Ribose as it is 100% ribose. It’s available as a pure powder with nothing else added or as a chewable, natural raspberry flavored tablet.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.
