D-ribose (Rib)

D-ribose is a naturally occurring five-carbon monosaccharide that plays an indispensable role in cellular energy metabolism as a key component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and ribonucleic acid (RNA) [1][2]. Synthesized via the pentose phosphate pathway, its production is often the rate-limiting step in the recovery of adenine nucleotide levels following periods of metabolic stress or ischemia [3]. While not a traditional therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme, D-ribose is clinically significant as a metabolic substrate used to enhance myocardial and skeletal muscle function in patients with congestive heart failure, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome [4][5]. Exogenous administration bypasses the slow oxidative portion of the pentose phosphate pathway, providing a direct precursor for 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) to accelerate ATP salvage and de novo synthesis [5]. Pharmacologically, it is treated as a medical food or supplement, with safety considerations including potential transient hypoglycemia and hyperuricemia at high dosages [6]. [1] PubChem (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/D-Ribose); [2] NIH MedlinePlus (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/827.html); [3] Mahoney, D. E., et al. (2018). Understanding D-Ribose and Mitochondrial Function. Adv Biosci Clin Med; [4] Sinatra, S. T. (2009). Metabolic cardiology; [5] Teitelbaum, J. E., et al. (2006). The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med; [6] Shecterle, L. M., et al. (2005). Potential safety of D-ribose.

Other names

Ribose(3R,4R,5R)-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolane-2,3,4-triolD-RibofuranoseD-Ribopyranose

Acts as a rate-limiting substrate for the synthesis of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP), facilitating the replenishment of cellular ATP pools via salvage and de novo pathways.