NSR is all about energy. Energy is all about ATP. ATP is all about ribose.

Pure and simple, a heart in arrhythmia loses ATP faster than it can be replaced, so it's downhill all the way: arrhythmia begets arrhythmia.

ATP is fuel for the heart as gasoline is fuel for a car -- But, there is only enough ATP at any moment for about 2 seconds of driving, and the heart's mitochondria must replace ATP at a high rate that keeps pace with the high rate of consumption -- But, in arrhythmia the mitochondria can't possibly do that. Make a bet right now that a core reason paroxysmal AF --> persistent AF --> permanent AF is because arrhythmia creates an increasingly deep ATP debt over time, which begets all the dire consequences we know and read about.

Back to the future:

Ribose to the rescue, "The Missing Link", "The New Kid on The Block", the from-scratch builder of new ATP. The ribose molecule is the 'structural backbone' of ATP just as it's the structural side-rails of the DNA double-helix 'ladder', the 'rungs' forming the genetic codes. A diagram of the ATP molecule (AdenosineTriPhosphate) shows an adenine molecule with a ribose molecule bridging to 3 phosphate molecules. The fuel energy of ATP is in the high-energy chemical bond between two phosphates.

When ATP contacts an ATPase - enzymes that break the ATP's phosphate bond - the bond's energy is released to do whatever work the ATPase does. The full name of the sodium/potassium pumps that generate the cells' electricity is Na+,K+,ATPase -- 'sodium pump' for short, because much of their work is accomplished by the sodium they pump out of the cell. Great article and animation: The Na+-K+-ATPase (Sodium Pump) [www.vivo.colostate.edu]

So, supplemental ribose is indeed the "missing link", physically and figuratively. With limited new ATP from limited internally-synthesized ribose, the other three of Sinatra's "awsome foursome" - magnesium, carnitine, CoQ10 - won't have much to do in the mitochondria where ATP recycling takes place.

PS: A word to the wise shopper: The NOW Co. apparently dilutes their ribose (with sugar?) because 2 tsp NOW = 5 grams, whereas all others (that I've looked at) 1 tsp = 5 grams. Years ago when I asked NOW about this they gave me a big song and dance, but they haven't changed their tune.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/11/2012 09:35PM by Erling.

Erling,

I just looked at the nowfoods site and it appears that their BioEnergy Ribose products contain 3.33 grams per teaspoon:

[www.nowfoods.com]

I get BioEnergy Ribose powder from another source, and it contains approximately the same amount - 3.4 grams per level teaspoon.

Although the Healthy Origins brand of BioEnergy Ribose claims to have 5 grams per teaspoon:

[www.iherb.com]

It's definitely confusing.

Buster

Erling, et. al.

I have been delinquent in my supplementing with D-Ribose. We ordered some hard plastic (heavy duty) mixing containers that contain a spout and a stainless steel mixing wire ball within. Just before logging on, I took my meds and supplements, which I, for the most part, keep in a 7 days a week system that has 7 plastic pills strips, each strip having 4 compartments (MORN, NOON, EVE, BED). I have to figure out how to travel with D-Ribose.... perhap a small screw on cap type pill container that will hold a few teaspoonfulls.

In any event, I am using Healthy Origins 100% Natural D-Ribose which is 5grams (1 teaspoonful level) = 5 grams of D-Ribose. Tonight I mixed it up with my low Sodium V8 (will move on to other sources of Potassium in a while), gave it a shake, and would never have known it was in the mixed drink.

Did not realize that NOW brand was only 2.5g per teaspoonful and thank you for sharing that.

After reading your post and the link, I will no longer be missing my D-Ribose in future.

But what of Taurine? I was under the impression that Taurine was part of the 'fab four' - Magnesium, Potassium, Taurine, Ubiquinol CoQ10. I have always added L-Carnitine to that mix, even though it is extremely expensive in Canada and difficult to obtain (I just order it from iHerb and it always seems to arrive on my doorstep).

In any event, I have been talking about triggers and wish to drop in here (off on a tangent as always) that STRESS is a marvellous trigger for me as well. All the more reason for the D-Ribose.

Thanks again.

Oh. P.S. One wonders what an appropriate amount of D-Ribose is appropriate and if it should be split up b.i.d. during the day.

Murray L

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tikosyn uptake Dec 2011 500ug b.i.d. NSR since!
Herein lies opinion, not professional advice, which all are well advised to seek.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/11/2012 07:59PM by Murray L.

Murray,

Do you have a gram scale to verify that the Healthy Origins ribose really contains 5 grams per level teaspoon?

Buster

Hmmm -

[www.iherb.com]
Now Foods, D-Ribose Powder 8 oz (227 g) Our price: $25.48
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Level Teaspoons (5 g)
Servings Per Container: 45

[www.iherb.com]
Healthy Origins, D-Ribose 10.6 oz (300 g) Our price: $27.98
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 teaspoon (5 grams)
Servings Per Container: 60

Murray, I think carnitine has been removed from Health Canada's not wanted list. So it should continue to arrive. A few years ago I had a shipment from iherb turned back at Canada customs and shipped back to iherb where the offending product (carnitine) was removed and then re shipped. It cost me a few xtra dollars.


Adrian

Erling said: "Pure and simple, a heart in arrhythmia loses ATP faster than it can be replaced, so it's downhill all the way: arrhythmia begets arrhythmia."

Ah, Erling, if that were true then why do some of us always self-convert from afib episodes? Many physically active people stress their hearts well beyond the level generated by most arrhythmias, and often for longer periods of time...for example endurance sports. If the heart is capable of recovery under such heavy demands, it surely wouldn't fall prey to such insufficiencies while in afib, especially while experiencing normal vetricular rates during atrial fibrillation. And certainly not during NSR (why take so many supplements then?). I say this to caution against taking large amounts of any supplements, as there is insufficient evidence to assure their effectiveness and long-term safety.

Many of us afibbers are no longer spring chickens, and over-supplementation can pose problems when our not-so-young kidneys are not as efficient as they once were - leading to potential overdoses caused by insufficient kidney clearing in an environment of abnormal dietary intake + the spectre of possible interactions, etc...

CoQ10, for example, is already found in higher than normal plasma concentrations in many persons who are hypothyroidic - which some estimate to be over 20 percent of the senior population. I are one. Everyone says take CoQ10....but, folks, for me and several others here, it worsens the afib problem. There is no reason to expect that other supplements won't produce similar problems for other people -

The driving force for supplement sales is identical to that of pharmaceuticals, so volume amounts may often be overstated.. and with certainty I can say that no extensive studies to establish safe doses or counter-indications have been paid for by supplement producers.

I think it is a stretch to say that ATP depletion is the predominate issue in developing persistent or permanent afib...there are so many other factors involved, and so little is currently known about remodeling's causes. To date, there simply have not been that many studies done on humans or animals in that regard - and all that I've seen have been inconclusive. I'd be most interested in seeing what genetic factors are involved, for example, as many persistent afibbers are prone to the disease as were their parents. There is much to learn yet...



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/11/2012 10:46PM by Tom B.

I agree Tom, I have cut back on my supplements, not increasing them and I have been having less AF episodes lately. I am not saying that is the reason because we know there are so many varibles. I have never taken Ribose or Caranitine, I don't take CoQ10 or any of the fish oils--fish oils have given me migraines, so has CoQ10. I find that the older I get I don't seem to tolerate a lot of supplements as well, I try to eat well to get my vitamines from my food---I do take Mag., Biotin, B vitamins, K for bones and a couple of weak hormone supplemens and vit. C.

Liz

Buster Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Murray,
>
> Do you have a gram scale to verify that the
> Healthy Origins ribose really contains 5 grams per
> level teaspoon?
>
> Buster


Interesting point. Yes, I do have a sensitive and accurate scale and am going to check that out.

Murray L

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tikosyn uptake Dec 2011 500ug b.i.d. NSR since!
Herein lies opinion, not professional advice, which all are well advised to seek.

[thesilveredge.com] What the Experts Say About D-Ribose!

"D-Ribose is a sugar derivative of ATP (the energy of life)...What D-Ribose does is helps fuel the regeneration of energy when your body can't create it quickly enough....What are the benefits of taking a D-ribose supplement? You will feel an increase in your energy level and be promoting cardiac efficiency, strength, and function, supporting increased energy regeneration in your cells, promoting exercise recovery, supporting healthy energy levels in the heart and muscles, and promoting cellular energy."

-- Dr. Stephen Sinatra, M.D., well-known cardiologist, author of The Sinatra Solution
==========

"Lack of energy is another common problem that can be caused by a number of things, from low thyroid to sleep apnea to a serious disease. But for run-of-the-mill fatigue, I vote for Ribose. It's a simple sugar required in the production of ATP, the fuel that runs our cells. Low stores of ribose mean less ATP can be generated, and that translates into sapped energy. I've written about Ribose for the treatment of heart failure and fibromyalgia, but it also shores up energy levels in cells throughout the body, giving you a natural energy boost.

One Ribose 'success story' is my wife, Connie, who, like the energizer bunny, just keeps going and going. Even though she works full time, travels with me, and is always juggling a number of additional projects, this woman never runs out of steam. Connie says that Ribose noticeably perks her up, and it also improves her endurance while exercising."

-- Dr. Julian Whittaker, M.D., Whittaker Wellness Clinics
==========

“Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have faulty ATP metabolism, so it makes perfect sense to use D-Ribose to help them.”

-- Life Extension Foundation, May 2007
==========

"D-Ribose may ease the pain and fatigue of patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.”

-- Dr. Andrew Weil, author of Natural Health, Natural Medicine
==========

"Not having enough Ribose in your body is like trying to build a fire without kindling--nothing happens…Ribose is a unique and powerful addition to our complement of metabolic therapies. For those suffering from fatigue, muscle soreness, stiffness and a host of related medical complications the relief can be life changing…I suspect we will find that our understanding of Ribose may be the most important nutrient discovery of the decade. I'd recommend it be used in all Chronic Fatigue Syndrome cases, fibromyalgia and cardiac patients as well as athletes. Though healthy, I take it daily myself as I like the extra energy boost it gives me."

-- Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of the bestselling book From Fatigued to Fantastic
==========

“Even when glucose supply is plentiful, production of D-ribose in the cell by the glucose pentose shunt is very slow. D-ribose as a nutritional supplement is therefore useful because it is immediately available for the generation of new ATP.”

-- Dr. Sarah Myhill, Associate Specialist at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
==========

“D-Ribose is astonishing new found energy-booster that works by increasing the action of cellular mitochondria and rapidly boosting your body’s supply of ATP – pure cellular energy. This 5 carbon sugar, active in the energy producing Krebs cycle, rapidly aids in recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome, age related energy deficits, and other energy-deficit disorders. D-Ribose is the essential component for your body’s basic production of energy.”

-- Dr. Linzy Scott Jr, M.D.
==========

“D-Ribose is a unique sugar made by the body to synthesize many important compounds, including DNA, RNA, and, most importantly, ATP, the ‘energy currency’ of the cells. ATP is critical to health and maintaining normal energy-dependent body functions. Ribose is the essential component in the making of ATP.”

-- MedicalNewsToday.com
==========

“When you give D-ribose to patients with ischemia, energy recovery and function can return to normal in an average of one to two days.”

-- Johnny Bowden, author of The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth
==========

“Ribose is a simple sugar that we make in the body, but we don’t really make enough of it. Often, when people have things like heart failure, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome they are actually deficient in Ribose. By taking Ribose several times a day you can get some really good results. It’s safe…no harmful side effects…only benefits.

-- Dr. Hyla Cass, M.D. author of What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition
==========

“An excellent nutrient for enhancing energy production, Ribose is recommended for all CFS/FMS patients as well as patients with heart disease. A recently published study showed that Ribose increased energy an average of 45% in patients with CFS/FMS.”

-- Wiki.MedPedia.com
==========

“D-Ribose, a naturally occurring sugar that feeds the heart muscle. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) exists in all our cells; it is the primary energy source for many metabolic processes. Your body needs Ribose to make ATP.”

-- Dr. Martha Grout, M.D., Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine
==========

“People with Chronic Fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia have almost 20% less energy in their muscles than normal, and this lack of energy causes poor exercise tolerance and lack of endurance -- making it difficult to perform even the most basic of life's daily activities…

…Ribose is a simple sugar found naturally in our bodies, but it is not used like any other sugar. Table sugar and other sugars are consumed and, with the help of oxygen, "burned" by the body to recycle energy. Ribose, on the other hand, is different. When consumed as a supplement, the body recognizes that ribose is different from other sugars and preserves it for the vital work of actually creating the key energy molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that powers the brain, heart, muscles, and every other tissue in the body.

In short, supplementing with Ribose provides the key building block in the cell's energy pathway to produce the ATP we require for more youthful energy levels.”

-- Scott Rigden MD, author of The Ultimate Metabolism Diet

I'll chime in here to say that the addition of ribose to my regimen has been nothing short of amazing... and essential.
This is specific to my biochemical uniqueness and we all have to find our ZONE.

I need at least 10 grams of ribose daily for overall energy. The fibromyalgia pain I once had is totally gone.
My post-ablation heart benefits greatly by not allowing the recurrence of post-ablation AF that plagued me periodically in years 4, 5, and 6. Thanks to Ribose and higher doses of Ubiquinol which were modifications to my standard protocols that included at least 800 mg magnesium, 1500 supplemental potassium (in addition to food sources), 1000 mg taurine, 2000 mg carnitine in two forms, 4 grams minimum of Omega 3 fish oils, between 5000 and 10,000 vitamin D3 (seasonal), digestive enzymes, probiotics, Vitamin E Gamma Complex and Tocotrienol, adrenal and thyroid support complexes and a high B complex that I customized myself, iodine and other key minerals. I scrutinize carefully my sodium intake which I estimate is between 500 and 1000 mg daily.

As a result, at age 76, my heart is in NSR with one successful Natale ablation and I take no Rx drugs and I don't have a reason to see my doctors other than to keep my name on their roster.

Afibbers who are not using ribose are missing a huge opportunity to enjoy a peaceful heart.

In 2006, I initially did research into ribose after hearing a teleconference on the CorValen patented ribose.
I corresponded with their technical department and wrote reports to our afibbers group.
There is substantial science behind ribose.

Jackie


(original ribose post)
Energizing Heart & Muscle Cells with D-Ribose
[www.afibbers.org]

[www.afibbers.org]

[www.afibbers.org]

Jackie

Erling, lots of testimonials without much "meat"....where are the studies? If ribose is needed by some, but not by others, as I suspect - why not test for optimum levels? Does such a test exist? After all, it should be simple to execute - I agree that in some cases ribose may help if there is a lack of normal levels, however, I know when I took it for several months it didn't do didley - that was back when I first visited this forum and dove into the supplement protocols right off the bat. I've learned a bit since then.

As an aside, an MD or PhD for that matter can say anything and some will expect that the "expert" is knowledgeable - but that isn't necessarily so. We all know that - after all, with regard to afib, many of us have gone through the route of specialist doctors who really didn't know what they were doing with respect to afib treatment, what's worse, many proved to be downright destructive in their approaches. An author of a book can be every bit as wrong as any layman - and I can tell you that regarding subjects that I am personally knowledgeable of, I have found some "expert" authors' statements to be absolutely hilarious. With your expertise and experience I'm sure you have come across the same.

All I'm saying is that supplements need to be treated with more respect with regard to what they can do well but may also do harmfully- and not just be judged unilaterally beneficial because they have helped this person or that person...with this problem or that problem. There needs to be a better, more scientific approach in order to optimize the benefits and costs for all concerned, IMO. There are those among us who sense some desperation when confronted with illness, and this can lead to over-reliance on anecdotal testimonials - and less reliance on other approaches of at least equal benefit.

Tom

Tom - I agree that not all supplements are useful across the board for every person. However, for specific ailments many are extremely beneficial and. typically, there are studies to support those outcomes. The professionals who are certified to practice Functional Medicine work extensively with supplements once they have done specific testing that evaluates whether or not there is a functional deficiency. Often, a deficiency upstream manifests in an adverse health condition (downstream) and frequently, without Metabolic Profile Testing, the not always obvious as to the etiology.

A point that needs to be re-emphasized is that just taking supplements - even those we recommend here - may not work quickly when there are interferences at work that are unique to that individual. Our experience here over 10+ years indicates that some people respond very well to lifestyle and dietary changes and that supplements work very well to reverse afib... yet others, cannot tolerate any supplements at all, but follow the nutritional principles and also eliminate their afib. None of this happens in a month or two or in some cases even in six months or longer. Ribose wasn't even around when people such as Fran and Erling reversed their afib but it is a really important adjunct and should be given respect and consideration because the science behind energy production is irrefutable... that's just how the body works. Period.

From my ribose research archives... a few of many references...

BioEnergy patented their CorValen product...Patent 8,101,581

Use of D-ribose to treat cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract
D-ribose, given in doses of five to 15 grams daily, reduces or prevents the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in persons experiencing atrial fibrillation.

[patft.uspto.gov]

Earlier there was a clip in a patent application that indicated:

BioEnergy's patent work with ribose is available online...

Here's a clip from the patent relevant to the function of ribose and ATP levels.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for reducing the period of tissue function recovery following ischemic insult comprising perfusion of the tissue with a solution incorporating a mixture of adenine and a physiologically-acceptable pentose or pentitol, preferably ribose. This method shortens the period required for substantially complete recovery of ATP levels from about ten days to about 1-2 days. Furthermore, with respect to cardiac tissue, the return of heart function (diastole) closely parallels the return of ATP levels.

Adenine and ribose are infused in an amount effective both to restore and maintain the tissue ATP levels at a level substantially equal to that present in the preischemic tissue. Although it was expected that once an amount of adenine and ribose effective to restore the ATP level had been infused, the level would be maintained by the tissue, it was surprisingly observed that the effects of ischemia, and the accompanying net ATP catabolism are not immediately reversed by the restoration of ATP levels and tissue function. Thus, both ATP levels and cardiac function were observed to fall following premature cessation of the adenine-ribose infusion. Therefore, the present method also comprises continuing the infusion for the full duration of the ischemic effects, e.g., until the net catabolism of ATP has ceased, and not merely to the extent necessary to restore the tissue ATP levels.

Adenine/ribose infusion is a physiologically innocuous procedure. The only undesired effect is a tendency to lower blood sugar, a condition which is easily monitored and corrected. Therefore, the method of the present invention need not be limited to extreme situations such as those accompanying cardiac surgery, but can be extended to any situation in which hypoxia threatens tissue function.

This report from CorValen Labs

Gross, G, J Auchampac. Role of ATP dependent potassium channels in myocardial ischaemia. Cardiovasc Res 1992; 26:1011-1016.

Recently, a class of potassium (K) channels has been discovered which are regulated by the intracellular level of ATP. These channels have been termed ATP dependent K channels (KATP) and have been found to exist in the heart, skeletal muscle, pancreatic beta cells, brain, and smooth muscle. In this article, we discuss the function of the KATP channel in the ischaemic myocardium and present evidence to suggest that activation of these channels may, on one had result in a marked cardioprotective effect from reversible or irreversible electrical, functional or biochemical change, or on the other hand, have the potential to produce electrical instability and a proarrhythmic effect. The therapeutic potential of potassium channel modulators is also discussed.

A reference to potassium channels regulated by the intracellular levels of ATP and a potential to produce electrical instability and proarrhythmic effect is also included at the end.
====

This from CorValen's website

Selected list of Clinical Studies:

Coronary Artery Disease
A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial with 20 patients with coronary artery disease and stable angina (chest pain).
RESULTS:
• D-Ribose increased treadmill walking time to ST segment depression; nearly 20% greater improvement versus placebo
• After 3 days, also improved the heart's tolerance to ischemia.

Coronary Artery Disease/ Congestive Heart Failure
Prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design study to assess effects of D-ribose supplementation in 15 patients with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure (Class II – III).
RESULTS:
• D-Ribose led to an enhancement of atrial contribution to left ventricular filling, a smaller left atrial dimension, and a shortened E wave deceleration by echocardiography
• Resulted in a 12% increase in quality of life as measured on validated scale.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Clinical trial with 14 congestive heart failure patients (NYHA Class II – III) was enrolled in a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design. Maximal cycle ergometry with gas exchange was monitored pre- and post- each treatment period.
RESULTS:
• With exercise, D-ribose-treated CHF patients maintain better ventilatory efficiency, a strong predictor of heart failure survival
• Also improved VO2max, reduced shortness of breath, increased exercise tolerance, and increased hypoxic threshold vs. placebo.

Open Heart Surgery A randomized, double blind clinical trial with 27 open heart patients.
RESULTS:
• Ejection fraction in placebo group significantly depressed following 7-days of post-surgical recovery
• At 7 days, 80% of placebo group demonstrated decline, whereas only 20% of the D-ribose group experienced decline.

Coronary Artery Disease
A comparison of the results of 143 patients receiving D-ribose as an oral “pre-op” versus 40 historical patients following a similar protocol, without supplementation.
RESULTS:
• “Off” pump cardiopulmonary bypass with supplemental ribose resulted in no peri-operative deaths and no post-operative myocardial infarctions
• Ribose treated patients showed a 43% improvement in cardiac index (cardiac output/surface area) vs. 13% with historical controls without ribose.

Congestive Heart Failure
An 8-week open-label clinical trial with 15 congestive heart failure patients (Class III (9) and IV (6)) undergoing cardiopulmonary testing.
RESULTS:
• O2 uptake efficiency, stroke volume (O2 pulse), and ventilatory efficiency, the most powerful predictor of patient survival, were significantly improved following supplementation with D-ribose.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Fibromyalgia
Open-label uncontrolled pilot study involving 41 participants.
RESULTS:
• Subjective patient questionnaires revealed significant improvement in all five visual analog scale (VAS) categories: energy; sleep; mental clarity; pain intensity; and well-being
• Improvement in patients' global assessment also demonstrated
• Approximately 66% of patients experienced significant improvement, with an average increase in energy on the VAS of 45% and an average improvement in overall well-being of 30% (p < 0.0001).

[www.corvalen.ca]

Then there is the whole series of interviews about Ribose at Richard Passwater, PhD's website..
Several experts including John St. Cyr, MD PhD ribose researcher are interviewed.

If one doubts anything about ribose, this is the place to read more. Just Google Passwater Ribose and all the interviews come up.
I have more info, but this should be sufficient.

=========

Multiple Studies Indicate Benefit of D-Ribose For Cardiac Patients
Minneapolis, MN - August 12, 2005 - Cardiologists and heart patients alike are looking for a safe and effective way to treat the symptoms of coronary disease. According to a growing body of research, D-ribose offers just such a treatment naturally and without side effects.

"Hearts that are stressed by disease or cardiac events share a common characteristic: they are starved for cellular energy," said John St. Cyr, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of Valen Labs, Inc. "D-Ribose is an integral part of the energy-producing process. By adding supplemental D-ribose, the heart is able to speed the process of rebuilding energy. As a result, patients feel better with less fatigue, experiencing an increased quality of life."

Consider the following four studies:

In a randomized, placebo controlled, crossover study of 15 patients with Class C CHF, researchers at the University of Utah's Department of Internal Medicine showed that oral D-ribose therapy for eight weeks improved myocardial performance index and ventilatory efficiency while preserving exercise capacity. Myocardial performance index, ventilatory efficiency, and exercise capacity are powerful predictors of survival in patients with CHF. After using D-ribose for eight weeks all patients either maintained or showed improvement in indicators that can predict survival for heart failure patients, leading researchers to conclude that D-ribose should be considered as an adjunctive therapy for advanced heart failure patients.

A second study, conducted by Aurora Denver Cardiology Associates, Denver, Colorado, also investigated the effect of D-ribose on ventilatory efficiency. As in the earlier study, 15 Class III and IV CHF patients were given D-ribose orally for eight weeks as adjunctive therapy to their existing treatment. Patients treated with D-ribose showed significant, positive improvement in ventilatory efficiency, oxygen uptake efficiency, and stroke volume, the amount of blood the heart pump with each beat.

In the third study, researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany investigated the role of D-ribose on diastolic function following ischemic events. A prospective, randomized, double blind crossover designed study of 15 patients demonstrated that the addition of supplemental D-ribose improved diastolic function, increased physical function and added to patient quality of life.

In a study conducted at Saddleback Medical Center in Orange County, California, researchers studied the benefits of D-ribose in patients undergoing "off" pump coronary artery revascularization. Of the 44 patients participating in the study, 24 consumed D-ribose pre-operatively, while 20 did not. Those treated with D-ribose demonstrated a 49% greater increase in cardiac indices compared with the control group.

Hospitals and cardiologists across the country are recognizing the benefits of D-ribose, and are offering it to their patients. Valen Labs offers D-ribose to as a cardiovascular therapy under the brand name CORvalen

Bioenergy Inc. is a privately-held, Minneapolis-based life sciences company whose core technology lies in the development and commercialization of products based on the physiological benefits of D-ribose in health and wellness. Bioenergy's clear mission is to develop products that increase the quality of its customers' lives by improving the function of their hearts, muscles, and other body tissues. Valen Labs, Inc, its subsidiary, markets ribose-based products to the functional food and clinical nutrition markets. These products include CORvalen, a clinical nutrition product giving metabolic support to heart patients; and CORvalenM, a dietary supplement that helps relieve myalgia, muscle soreness, cramping and fatigue.

=======

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - D-Ribose, Energy

Reference: "D-Ribose as a Supplement for Cardiac Energy Metabolism," Pauly DF, Pepine CJ, J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Therapeut, 2000;5(4):249-258. (Address: Dr. Daniel F. Pauly, P. O. Box 100277, Univ Florida College of Med, 1600 S.W. Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610, U.S.A.)

Summary: D-Ribose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide. Monosaccharides have the empiric formula (CH2O)n, consist of polyhydroxy carbon chains and have a single carbonyl oxygen. It is hypothesized that under certain cardiac conditions, nucleotides (in particular ATP, ADP and AMP) are degraded and lost from the heart. The heart’s ability to re-synthesize ATP is then limited by the supply of D-ribose, which is a necessary component of the adenine nucleotide structure. Recent reports have shown that D-ribose can increase tolerance to myocardial ischemia. In patients with stable coronary artery disease, there has been improvement in time to exercise-induced angina and electrocardiographic changes. D-Ribose has no significant effects on cardiac hemodynamics. It does not influence coronary blood flow or myocardial oxygen consumption. D-Ribose is not a preferred substrate for energy production in the heart. Its beneficial effects have been attributed to replenishing ATP through increased 5-phospho-D-ribose 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) availability and increased de novo ATP synthesis. D-Ribose plays a role in providing PRPP and adenine nucleotide repletion in reversibly injured myocardium and in the related models of hypertrophy and regional infarction. The amount of cardiac preservation that might occur from supplementation may depend on the severity of cardiac insult, the duration of the injury, and the particular functional index measured. The contribution of metabolic repletion of D-ribose should be most beneficial when PRPP is the primary limitation. This appears to be the case early in injury and late in recovery. The available data suggest that either oral or intravenous administration of D-ribose may have clinical utility in a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions, including ischemia, hibernation, hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy. D-Ribose may have benefit by increasing the speed of ATP repletion and enhancing functional recovery after injury.


CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - Conditionally Essential Nutrients, Coenzyme Q10, L-Carnitine, Propionyl-L-Carnitine, L-Arginine, Taurine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Betaine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Glutamine, D-Ribose, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Lipoprotein(a), Heart Failure, Myocardial Infarction, Angina Pectoris

Topic: Role of Conditionally Essential Nutrients in Cardiovascular Disease Therapy

Reference: “Supplemental conditionally essential nutrients in cardiovascular disease therapy,” Kendler BS, J Cardiovasc Nurs, 2006; 21(1): 9-16. (Address: Department of Biology, CMSV Campus, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY 10471, USA.

Summary: In this article, studies related to the role of conditionally essential nutrients as they relate to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factors are reviewed. All the studies included in the review are prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, dealing with human subjects and CVD that have been published in peer-reviewed publications. The authors give some background about conditionally essential nutrients (CENs). CENs are organic compounds produced in the body that under healthy circumstances, are produced in sufficient quantities to meet physiological needs. However, during certain stages in life or in certain pathological conditions, CENs may not be produced in adequate amounts, rendering them essential dietary nutrients, akin to vitamins. The author summarizes studies related to the following CENs and their role in CVD: coenzyme Q10, l-carnitine (CAR), propionyl l-carnitine (PCAR), and l-arginine (ARG). Taurine is discussed only briefly due to paucity of data involving human subjects, although the animal and in vitro data is promising. As a whole, these CENs have been shown to be clinically beneficial with regards to chronic heart failure, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and lipoprotein(a). Specifically, coenzyme Q10 was found to be effective as an adjunctive therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Coenzyme Q10 was also found to improve stroke volume, cardiac output, ejection fraction, cardiac index, and end-diastolic volume index. In addition, decreases in total cardiac events, various markers of lipid peroxidation, lipoprotein(a), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1C were found with coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Numerous studies reviewing CAR are discussed, which include the successful use of CAR in patients with moderate cardiac insufficiency, moderate to severe heart failure, chronic stable angina, exercise-induced angina, and acute anterior myocardial infarction. In addition, it was found to have favorable effects on heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood lipids, cholesterol, left ventricular function, and lipoprotein(a). PCAR was found to be beneficial in patients with CHF, intermittent claudication and prevention of intravascular clotting. While a recent study raises serious questions about the use of l-arginine in patients who have recently experienced acute myocardial infarction, the studies reviewed in this article demonstrate the effectiveness of l-arginine in healthy subjects and patients with risk factors for CVD (such as hypercholesterolemia), in inhibiting platelet aggregation, improving endothelial-dependent vasodilation, reducing monocyte-endothelial adhesion resulting in decreased atherogenesis, reducing plasma endothelin vasodilation, inducing greater pain-free and total walking distance in intermittent claudication, improving flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, decreasing LDL, increasing the HDL/LDL ratio and improving forearm blood flow, walking distance, and subjective symptoms in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The findings of this review suggest that CENs, which have demonstrated effectiveness and safety in numerous clinical trials, may have very critical roles to play in the treatment of patients with or at risk of developing CVD. Additional controlled, clinical trials are needed to further investigate and understand the role of CENs in CVD.

CORONARY ARTERY/HEART DISEASE - Ribose and Exercise-Induced Myocardial Ischemia

Reference: "Effects of Ribose on Exercise-Induced Ischemia in Stable Coronary Artery Disease", Pliml, Wolfgang, et al, The Lancet, August 29, 1992;340:507-510.

Summary: There is evidence that the pentose sugar ribose stimulates ATP synthesis and improves cardiac function. Twenty men with coronary artery disease underwent 2 symptom-limited treadmill exercise tests on 2 consecutive days. The 20 men studied were between 40 and 69 years of age. Patients were randomly allocated 3 days of treatment with placebo or ribose at 60 gms daily in 4 doses by mouth. After day 5, exercise testing was repeated, and it was found that a treadmill walking time until 1 mmST-segment depression was significantly greater in the ribose than in the placebo group. The groups did not differ significantly in time to moderate angina. In the ribose-treated group, the changes from baseline to day 5 in both time to ST depression and time to moderate angina were significant. The authors conclude that, in patients with coronary artery disease, the administration of ribose by mouth for 3 days improved the heart's tolerance to ischemia. The authors conclude that ribose can effectively influence cardiac energy and metabolism. Further studies are warranted to see if this drug may be beneficial as an adjunctive therapy for myocardial ischemia. Metabolic cardioprotection with ribose might be especially advantageous for patients undergoing heart surgery, or in unstable coronary artery disease.

FIBROMYALGIA - Ribose

Reference: "Benefit of Ribose in a Patient With Fibromyalgia," Gebhart B, Jorgenson JA, Pharmacotherapy, 2004;24(11):1646-1648.

Summary: This is a case report of a 37-year-old female surgeon who developed extensive fibromyalgia and could not perform her job, with the increasing symptoms of intense musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, mental "cloudiness", bouts of diarrhea and sleep disturbance. She was placed on ibuprofen at 800 mg, twice daily, valdecoxib at 10 mg, once daily, diphenhydramine at 50 mg-acetaminophen at 1,000 mg at bedtime and physical therapy once daily. This regimen had limited benefit and further impaired her ability to perform her job. Approximately 7 months later, she began taking CORvalen (Bioenergy, Inc., Ham Lake, MN), a ribose-based product. She took 5 g of CORvalen mixed in water, twice daily. She experienced no adverse effect, and after 14 days, she reported a decrease in her symptoms. She noted improvement in sleep, mental alertness and a marked decrease in joint pain, and normal stools. After an additional month of CORvalen therapy, she reported near-normal functioning with a major reduction in her symptoms. After another month of CORvalen and feeling "normal," the patient stopped the drug. Within 7 days, the symptoms returned. She resumed taking CORvalen at the same dose as before, and there was a major reduction in her symptoms again occurring within 14 days. She noted continued benefit for another month and then stopped the product, with a reemergence of her symptoms. The CORvalen was started for a third time and the patient’s symptoms subsided. She remains on the CORvalen product and is satisfied. Ribose is a simple carbohydrate that plays a role in high-energy phosphate and nucleic acid synthesis. After ischemia or hypoxia, myocytes have reduced levels of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and total adenine nucleotides. In patients with chronic hypoxic conditions, the cellular energy charge may never be fully regained. These cells have the capacity to regenerate ATP, but the pentose phosphate pathway of glucose metabolism utilized in the formation of ribose that is needed to drive the regenerative process is slow in both heart and skeletal muscle due to poor expression of specific rate-limiting enzymes. Supplemental ribose has been shown to enhance the synthesis of adenine nucleotides, rebuilding depressed energy pools in both the heart and skeletal muscle after ischemic or hypoxic insult. Ribose bypasses the rate-limiting enzymatic steps of the pentose phosphate pathway and accelerates the formation of ATP and subsequent tissue recovery. Initially, supplemental ribose is converted to ribose-5-phosphate, and then forms 5-phosphoribosyl-l-pyrophosphate, which is a key molecule in the synthesis of ATP through the de novo purine nucleotide pathway.

EXERCISE - Ribose

Reference: "The Effects of Four Weeks of Ribose Supplementation on Body Composition and Exercise Performance in Healthy, Young, Male Recreational Bodybuilders: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial," Van Gammeren D, Falk D, Antonio J, Curr Ther Res, August 2002;63(8):486-495.

Summary: Ribose is a pentose sugar that is present in ribonucleic acids, riboflavin, nucleotides and adenosine triphosphate. In studying 20 male recreational body builders who were between 18 and 35 years of age, subjects were randomized to a ribose-supplemented group at 10 g/day in powder formulation or a dextrose placebo group followed by heavy-resistance training designed to increase skeletal muscle mass. Twelve subjects completed the study. The ribose-supplemented group had a significant pretreatment-to-posttreatment increase in the total work performed, whereas the placebo group did not change significantly. In the ribose-supplemented group, there was a significant increase in 1-repetition maximum-strength in the bench press, whereas the placebo group did not change significantly. There were no treatment-to-posttreatment within-group or between-group differences found for any measures of body composition or the 24-hour dietary data.

===

This interview addresses fibromyalgia, but the physiology is the same for ATP production... heart cells or muscle cells.

The Experts Speak

Fibromyalgia and Ribose
James Jorgenson, M.S.
Department of Pharmacy Services
University Hospital
50 North Medical Drive, Room A-050
Salt Lake City, UT 84132 USA


“Benefit of Ribose in a Patient With Fibromyalgia”

Pharmacotherapy, 2004;24(11):1646-1648. #42747 (03/2005)

Kirk Hamilton: Could you please share with us your educational background and current position?

James Jorgensen: I completed my B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Minnesota in 1977 and my Masters of Science in 1980. I completed an ASHP Accredited Residency in Hospital Pharmacy at United and Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota concurrent with my masters degree.

Currently, I am the Director of Pharmacy Services for the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics and the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy in Salt Lake City, Utah.

KH: How did you become interested in using ribose for fibromyalgia?

JJ: I first heard about ribose during my residency when it was being pioneered by Dr. John Foker for use in cardiac surgery patients at the University of Minnesota. More recently, ribose has been appearing in the medical literature in relation to its utility in treating congestive heart failure. We have been engaged in a double-blind crossover clinical trial using ribose in stage II and III CHF patients at the University of Utah. From our preliminary results, we have been encouraged by its improvement in heart function. Results of that study will be presented by Mark Munger, PharmD, and his investigative team at the March, 2005 American College of Cardiology conference in Orlando. Given its mechanism of action on enhancing ATP production, we thought it may have application in other conditions where depressed ATP levels are present such as fibromyalgia.

KH: Can you tell us a little about CORvalen, its hypothesized mechanism of action, and why you started with 5 g twice daily?

JJ: CORvalen contains D-Ribose, a naturally occurring sugar. Ribose is the core component of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and is also a key component of adenosine triphospate (ATP). At the cellular level, ATP is responsible for energy transfer and it is this process that we felt could be impacted by exogenous ribose supplementation in fibromyalgia patients. Adenosine is comprised of one molecule of ribose and one molecule of adenine. When coupled with three phosphate molecules, ATP is formed. Energy is created when the bond holding one of the phosphate molecules is broken. This results in adenosine diphosphate and inorganic phosphate. In aerobic states when plenty of oxygen is present, this bond can quickly be reformed to produce ATP. However, if oxygen is lacking (anaerobic metabolism) creatine phosphate (CrP) will be utilized for the phosphate that is required to reform ATP from ADP. If the cellular sources of CrP are depleted, the cell can fall back on a third mechanism to produce ATP called the myokinase reaction. In this reaction, two ADP molecules are used to make one ATP and one adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The body must keep ATP/ADP/AMP ratios in the proper balance if cellular function is to be maintained. Ribose as a core component of adenosine must be present in sufficient quantities for these mechanisms to work. Unfortunately, ribose supplied in food is insufficient to support demands during high stress periods or high intensity exercise. The body manufactures ribose from glucose but this process is quite slow and inefficient. The hypothesized mechanism of action for ribose centers on supplemental or exogenous ribose being able to augment the body’s natural production of ribose and assist in synthesis of ATP to support cellular energy needs.


We selected a 5 gram dose twice daily based on the available cardiac literature. This seemed to be the most common dose studied. However, we are currently in the final stages of designing a clinical trial to document ribose efficacy in fibromyalgia patients and we are planning on using 5 grams three times daily for the study patients. We think that it may be beneficial in fibromyalgia patients to build up ATP production as quickly as possible.

KH: Are there any other components of CORvalen besides ribose?

JJ: The CORvalen product contains only D-Ribose. However, Valen Labs also has a CORvalenM product targeted toward fibromyalgia patients that in addition to ribose also contains magnesium and malic acid. There is some evidence that these entities may also be beneficial in fibromyalgia patients.

KH: Can you tell us the clinical course of your patient before, during and after using the CORvalen product?

JJ: The patient described in our case study is a 37 year old female. She is a surgeon and her fibromyalgia symptoms were affecting her abilities to perform her operative duties. She was experiencing episodes of intense musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, mental “cloudiness”, bouts of diarrhea and sleep disturbances. Her treatment regimen of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, diphenhydramine, acetaminophen and physical therapy was providing only limited relief. In addition to her regular therapy, we added CORvalen 5 grams mixed in water twice daily. After 14 days of CORvalen therapy, she reported a decrease in her symptoms. She noted an improvement in joint pain, mental alertness, sleep patterns and normal stools. Her improvement continued and after one month of CORvalen therapy she indicated a significant decrease in symptoms and near normal functioning. After another month of CORvalen therapy, the patient felt “normal” and decided to discontinue therapy. Within 7 days, she regressed to her previous level. She reported joint pain, sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, trigger point flares and diarrhea. She again started CORvalen therapy at 5 grams twice daily. Within 14 days she reported major reductions in symptoms. She continued on CORvalen for another month and again stopped the therapy. She experienced a similar reoccurrence of symptoms which again improved when CORvalen therapy was reinitiated. She is currently continuing with CORvalen therapy and feels that her symptoms are controlled.

KH: Were there any side effects as a result of the CORvalen?

JJ: We did not see any side effects with this patient. In terms of side effects the most common would be gastrointestinal and blood sugar alterations. Literature reports indicate that extremely large doses of ribose, in the area of 60 grams daily, are needed to produce gastrointestinal side effects. With blood sugar, even though ribose is a sugar, it can cause a transient and slight drop in blood sugar (2 to 5 points). With most patients this is insignificant without demonstrating symptoms but in a very “brittle” insulin dependant diabetic, this could be a concern and should be watched. A final concern would be ribose use in oncology patients. There is some thought that supplying ribose and elevating ATP levels could result in enhanced tumor growth. Although there are no literature reports to support or refute this theory, we err on the side of caution and do not recommend ribose use in patients that also have active cancer.

KH: Do you have any further understanding of how CORvalen might work in fibromyalgia patients?

JJ: The cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown but it has been associated with stress, trauma, hormone deficiency disorders, alteration in neural chemistry, anemia, parasites and infections. The continued muscular pain and stiffness that fibromyalgia patients manifest led us to consider ribose supplementation. It has been demonstrated that patients with fibromyalgia have reduced exercise capacity and muscles that lack contractile force and endurance. Examination of skeletal muscle in fibromyalgia patients has shown reduced blood flow, changes in capillary wall thickness and structural changes to the mitochondria that contribute to localized hypoxia, decreased oxidative phosphorylation and ultimately lower ATP synthesis and altered ATP/ADP/AMP ratios. As previously discussed, depressed ATP levels result in altered energy metabolism of the cell’s integrity and functionality which leads to further metabolic disruption and ultimately muscle soreness and stiffness. Ribose supplementation could play a part in restoring normal ATP levels and reversing this metabolic cascade. While ribose supplementation would not “cure” fibromyalgia patients, if mechanisms producing alterations in ATP are a contributing factor to the cause of this disease then ribose could help to bring treatment “down another level”. Traditional drug therapy is focused on symptom control or relief. Ribose therapy could potentially prevent symptoms from appearing and thereby provide a better quality of life to these patients.

Source: Vitasearch

=====



Jackie

Jackie,

Re: your last post
With the exception of the patent application (read sales) which cites an 8 person study of d-ribose and atrial fibrillation (with varying degrees of outcome success) none of the above relate to atrial fibrillation. One fibromyalgia patient is referenced by two articles, and the rest discuss heart failure, post surgical recovery rates, stabilization of CHF and advanced artery disease, as well as the muscle-building benefits of d-ribose.

Dr.Ray Sahelian, who is cited by many, said this: "How safe would D-ribose be for someone with atrial fibrillation?
I have not seen any studies testing the influence of this sugar supplement on atrial fibrillation so I don't know at this time"

I haven't found anything to support the notion that d-ribose is a known preventative of onsets of atrial fibrillation, which I suspect is why most people would be taking it.

I'm not anti-ribose, LOL - I just like to follow paths that are more clearly lit.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2012 04:56PM by Tom B.

Wow Jackie - I am always in awe of your energy and dedication to this site.

I am very concerned about the handfuls of supplements my Doctor has suggested I take. They inlcude a Multi, CoQ10, B12, D, C, L-Carnitine, D-Ribose, Taurine, MSM, Mg, Fish Oil, Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes, Alpha Lipoic, Brain Energy, Brain Calm, Ceriva, Lumina, Whey, Zeolite, Spirulina, Chlorella, Glutamine, Exhilarin, TAD, Folic Acid and Androgel.

While the amount seems excessive, my affib is very prevalent, and I have recently been dignosed with severe Gluten intolerance and severe Adrenal Fatigue, so I am OK staying with this protocal for awhile, but not all of them long term.

It is highly likely I have been Gluten intolerant for a long time and could have lots of Villi damage in my gut, resulting in very low mineral absorption as proven by a Nutreval test - so I need time to heal.

I often remind myself about 2 old Elm trees in the yard of a house I moved into in 1996. The house was a new infill and these 40+ year old trees had been damaged during construction, their roots had been partially covered by the new deck and hot tub and otherwise damaged, and they had the disease elm-scale and were being attacked by aphids. The were severely stressed and very sick. I called in the pros and they injected stuff into the trunks of the tree, and deep water/fertilized and sprayed with oil and other nasty stuff numerouse times throughout the year. Today those trees are still alive, but it costs over $1000 per year to keep them going - and without all of the supplements they would be a goner.

I have just done my first Exatest and am working on placing an order for a Cardymeter, so progress is being made.

On researching the BioEnergy site (i.e., the manufacturer of BioEnergy ribose), I found this quote:

Quote
Are there any side effects associated with taking ribose? There are two known side effects of taking ribose in doses of 10 grams or more on an empty stomach. The first is a transient hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that can be eliminated by taking larger doses of ribose with other carbohydrates (such as in juice). The second side effect that may occur in some individuals is loose stools. This side effect has only been reported when very large doses, greater than 10 grams, are taken. Total daily intake of ribose should be limited to 20 grams, or approximately 4 rounded teaspoonfuls. Ribose should be taken in doses up to 5 grams (approximately 1 rounded teaspoon) at a time. Multiple 5- gram doses separated by 30 – 45 minutes can be taken without side effects.

Go to [www.bioenergy.com] and click on "Answers to Your Questions."

So, they are saying that it takes "approximately 1 rounded teaspoon" to get a 5 gram dose. Exactly how rounded does that teaspoon have to be?



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2012 05:20PM by Buster.

Hi Erling,
My beloved natto food that I had eaten for six and a half years not only has the highest concentration of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) that is implicated in the process of mitochondrial maintenance according to your post from Dr Graveline about statins:

[www.afibbers.org]

but also the bacillus subtilis that ferments the natto food also produce significant amounts of D-Ribose as well (see below):

Developments in the use of Bacillus species for
industrial production
“Several strains of B. Subtilis and B. pumilus and their mutants are reported to produce significant amounts of D-ribose (reviewed by De Wulf and Vandamme 1997).

[awe.mol.uj.edu.pl]

The above site also states that “D-Ribose is frequently used as a flavour enhancer in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health food and animal feed”
If this is true then why would you want to further supplement with D- Ribose when its in so many things we eat?

So chalk up another plus for eating natto food!

What are your thoughts regarding supplementing with both PQQ and D-Ribose or like me, you could just eat natto food 4 or 5 times a week?

Natto food is very cheap compared to expensive supplements.

Dean
(10 yrs afib free and no ablation)

Brief excerpts from Chapter 2, Fatigued to Fantastic! by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD. (2007) [www.amazon.com]

Jump-Starting Your Body’s Energy Furnaces

As we will discuss throughout this book, ... the energy crisis will then trigger a host of downstream effects, including hypothalamic dysfunction (“blowing a fuse”) which causes multiple other problems, including muscle pain, insomnia, hormonal deficiencies, infections, poor liver detoxification, decreased heart function, and more. ...it is also critical to go to the heart of the problem and treat your body’s “energy furnaces”.

Each cell in your body contains structures called mitochondria. The mitochondria are the tiny furnaces in each cell that produce energy by burning calories.

The role of energy production

Medical research shows there are many conditions that drain energy from the body, leaving us fatigued and with frequent complications such as muscle pain, heart problems, and even depression.

The metabolic changes that occur in our bodies over time, or with the onset of disease, are varied. Many are found to have thickening of the walls of capillaries that feed blood to muscles. These thickened capillary walls make it harder for oxygen to move from the blood to the muscle tissue, reducing the oxygen tension of the muscle and slowing the rate of energy synthesis.

In others, the mitochondrial energy furnaces are found to be defective and cannot keep up with the energy demand [ATP] of cells and tissues... Still for others, cells and tissues are deficient in certain nutrients that are needed to process food into energy, leaving the tissues energy starved. And in the most difficult conditions, the muscle itself is affected, leaking vital cellular constituents that include energy compounds and the fuels needed to restore energy levels in affected tissues.

The Consequences of Mitochondrial Dysfunction

A large number of clinical findings... can be explained by mitochondrial furnace malfunction.

• Hypothalamic suppression. Particularly severe changes in the hypothalamus have been seen in mitochondrial dysfunction syndromes.
• Brain fog. Mitochondrial dysfunction can cause decreases in levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically low dopamine and acetylcholine, and possibly low serotonin.
• Sensitivities and allergies. Decreased ability of the liver to eliminate toxins and medications could contribute to sensitivities to both medications and environmental factors.
• Post-exertion fatigue. Low energy production and accumulation of excessive amounts of lactic acid in muscles would inhibit recovery after exercise.
• Poor digestion. Mitochondrial dysfunction would also cause problems related to the bowel problems that plague so many people with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.
• Weak immune system. With problems in the mitochondria, you would expect to see poor white blood cell function and therefore a decreased ability to fight infection.
• Heart dysfunction. Based on research by Dr. Paul Cheney, mitochondrial dysfunction may weaken the heart muscle, requiring increased anti-oxidant levels through supplementation.
• Kidney function. Poor kidney function resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction may cause a defect in the filtration and detoxification process.

Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction might well be the root cause of -- or at least a contributing factor to -- the hypothalamic, immune, neurotransmitter, nutritional, detoxification, sleep and other disorders.

Improving Mitochondrial Function

If mitochondrial dysfunction is an underlying or contributing cause, the next question is whether anything can be done to make those cellular energy furnaces work better. A number of natural treatments are available to do just that. Let us now look at some of the treatments that can improve mitochondrial energy production. Let’s begin with D-Ribose, the key to energy production.

D-Ribose–The Natural Body Energizer

In looking at energy production, it helps to look at the “energy molecules” such as ATP, NADH, and FADH. These represent the energy currency in your body, and are like the paper that money is printed on.

For years, I talked about the importance of B vitamins, which are a key component of these molecules. These helped to a degree, but it was clear that a key component was missing. In looking at the biochemistry of these energy molecules, they are also made of 2 other key components - adenine and ribose. Adenine is plentiful in the body and supplementing with adenine did not help. We then turned our attention to Ribose. Ribose is made in your body in a slow, laborious process and cannot be found in food. This was like one of those “Eureka!” moments where things came together. Not having Ribose would be like trying to build a fire without kindling -- nothing would happen. We wondered if giving Ribose to people would jump-start their energy furnaces. The answer was a resounding yes!

Our recently published study showed an average 44.7% increase in energy after only 3 weeks (improvement began at 12 days) and an average overall improvement in quality of life of 30%. Two thirds of the patients felt they had improved. Usually a 10% improvement for a single nutrient is considered excellent. A 44.7% increase left us amazed, and I am now recommending Ribose for all of my patients, for athletes, and any one with pain, fatigue or heart problems.

It is critical to use the proper dose for the first 3 weeks, which is 5 grams (5,000 mg) three times a day. It can then be dropped to twice a day.

D-Ribose Accelerates Energy Recovery

D-Ribose is a simple, five-carbon sugar that is found naturally in our bodies. But ribose is not like any other sugar. Sugars we are all familiar with, such as table sugar (sucrose), corn sugar (glucose), milk sugar (lactose), honey (predominantly fructose), and others are used by the body as fuel. Ribose, on the other hand, is special. When we consume ribose, the body recognizes that it is different from other sugars and preserves it for the vital work of actually making the energy molecule [ATP] that powers our hearts, muscles, brains, and every other tissue in the body.

Ribose provides the key building block of ATP, and the presence of ribose in the cell stimulates the metabolic pathway our bodies use to actually make this vital compound. If the cell does not have enough ribose, it cannot make ATP. So, when cells and tissues become energy starved, the availability of ribose is critical to energy recovery.

Normal, healthy heart and muscle tissue has the capacity to make all the ribose it needs. When normal tissue is stressed by overexertion, several days of rest will usually allow it to fully recover. The muscle may be sore during recovery, as we frequently see for the three or four days after a hard day of yard work, or after a weekend pick-up football game, but eventually energy levels will be restored and the soreness will disappear. But when the muscle is chronically stressed by disease or conditions that affect tissue energy metabolism, the cells and tissues simply cannot make enough ribose quickly enough to recover.

The Link between Ribose, Energy, and Fatigue

Clinical and scientific research has repeatedly shown that giving ribose to energy deficient hearts and muscles stimulates energy recovery. Interestingly, one of our study patients had an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Ribose is outstanding in the treatment of heart disease as well, because it restores energy production in the heart muscle. Because of this, it was not surprising that this man’s atrial fibrillation also went away on the ribose and he was able to stop his heart medications as well!

Ribose and the Fatigue Associated with Heart Disease

Decades of research have shown that ribose has a profound effect on heart function in patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy. There are very few nutritional therapies that can legitimately boast of having this profound of an effect on the tissues they target. None, other than ribose, can claim such an effect in cell or tissue energy metabolism. Ribose is a unique and powerful addition to our complement of metabolic therapies in that it is completely safe, proven by strong, well designed clinical and scientific evidence, natural, and fundamental to a vital metabolic process in the body.

I am one of those who found that CoQ10 causes ectopics.

Ron B - The damage done by gluten sensitivity to the intestinal villi is certainly something to recognize and deal with. In the recent report titled Nutrient Absorption, GI Interferences, SIBO, Biofim and Atrial Fibrillation, I noted the use of the highly beneficial Saccharomyces boulardii. I'd consider using that for 3-4 months if not longer to assist with the repair. Your list of supplements is similar to mine in length and scope... one comment, though, is that with a gluten intolerance, be very sure that you don't also have the commonly associated dairy sensitivity as well so your use of whey may not be appropriate. While your gut is healing, you may want to use just a small core group of supplements as a matter of economics, since much won't be absorbed until the healing begins and focus on very high doses of probiotics.

My GI repair from years ago was successful and it certainly makes a huge difference. Hang in there and you'll start to feel better as time goes on. I also had adrenal burnout and it took over two years to stabilize, so don't give up.

Here's the link to the Nutrient Absorption report:

[www.afibbers.org]

Be well, Jackie

United States Patent 8,101,581 [patft.uspto.gov]

Use of D-ribose to treat cardiac arrhythmias
January 24, 2012
Inventors: Herrick; James D.
Assignee: Bioenergy, Inc.

Abstract

D-ribose, given in doses of five to 15 grams daily, reduces or prevents the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in persons experiencing atrial fibrillation.

Claims

I claim:

1. A method of treating atrial fibrillation comprising administering an effective amount of D-ribose to a person experiencing atrial fibrillation, wherein the D-ribose is given in daily doses of five to 30 grams.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the D-ribose is given in daily doses of ten to 15 grams.

3. A method of treating atrial fibrillation comprising administering an effective amount of D-ribose to a person experiencing atrial fibrillation, wherein the D-ribose is given in single doses not exceeding eight grams.

C'mon Erling...Am I missing something here?

This guy patents giving a dose of ribose to people with AF based on an 8 person study of seemingly inconclusive results. (I guess he wants to corner the ribose market, LOL...)

I repeat....Am I missing something here?

Hi Dean -

> (10 yrs afib free and no ablation) So chalk up another plus for eating natto food!

Your diligence and 10 year success is wonderful -- most remarkable.

> Natto food is very cheap compared to expensive supplements.
> why would you want to further supplement with D- Ribose when its in so many things we eat?

Do you know the amount of ribose in natto - as milligrams per ounce, for instance? - and in other foods? So far I've not found good information on the web. 'The Experts' say there is very little ribose in food?

> What are your thoughts regarding supplementing with both PQQ and D-Ribose or like me, you could just eat natto food 4 or 5 times a week?

My knowledge of PQQ is hear zero, only that it somehow enhances mitochondrial performance in using food molecules and oxygen to attach a phosphate molecule.to spent ADP making it into ATP. Ribose is different in that it's essential in making new (de novo) ATP.when there isn't enough ATP available to drive the cells' functions, #1 being the Na/K pumps.

Erling.

Hi Tom B -

> Erling, lots of testimonials without much "meat"....where are the studies?

Yea, but they're meaty testimonials. The personal experience behind these testimonials is in full agreement with the science of ribose. A good testimonial is worth a thousand studies."spun" to suit The Powers.

> If ribose is needed by some, but not by others, as I suspect - why not test for optimum levels? Does such a test exist? After all, it should be simple to execute - I agree that in some cases ribose may help if there is a lack of normal levels

Per Dr. Sinatra's Metabolic Cardiology [www.amazon.com] : "Remember that ribose is quickly absorbed and leaves the blood rapidly. Therefore assessing blood levels of ribose is not helpful, in addition to being very costly".

> As an aside, an MD or PhD for that matter can say anything and some will expect that the "expert" is knowledgeable - but that isn't necessarily so. We all know that - after all, with regard to afib, many of us have gone through the route of specialist doctors who really didn't know what they were doing with respect to afib treatment, what's worse, many proved to be downright destructive in their approaches. An author of a book can be every bit as wrong as any layman - and I can tell you that regarding subjects that I am personally knowledgeable of, I have found some "expert" authors' statements to be absolutely hilarious. With your expertise and experience I'm sure you have come across the same.

Yes indeed, and from the get-go. Teen years lived under the Nazis plus a successful career in engineering sharpened my sense of smell -- you would not dare get on an airplane if we couldn't tell fact from baloney. My involvement here is based largely on verifiable science presented by just a few highly trustworthy and respected scientists: Seelig, Moore, Sinatra..Comprehension of their work allows critical evaluation of all the rest.

> All I'm saying is that supplements need to be treated with more respect with regard to what they can do well but may also do harmfully- and not just be judged unilaterally beneficial because they have helped this person or that person...with this problem or that problem. There needs to be a better, more scientific approach in order to optimize the benefits and costs for all concerned, IMO. There are those among us who sense some desperation when confronted with illness, and this can lead to over-reliance on anecdotal testimonials - and less reliance on other approaches of at least equal benefit.

Absolutely! - and I honor and share your skepticism. But if you study Sinatra's book you'll see that the science presented is rock solid.
==========

> C'mon Erling...Am I missing something here?

>This guy patents giving a dose of ribose to people with AF based on an 8 person study of seemingly inconclusive results. (I guess he wants to corner the ribose market, LOL...)

>I repeat....Am I missing something here?

No you're not! I actually put this up because it shows you can patent absolutely anything no matter how ridiculous the rational - just say there's a small study showing ribose seems to do something good for A-fib, and then anybody that comes along with a pill for A-fib with ribose in it can be sued for patent infringement. Note that the 'Assignee' is Bioenergy, Inc. that already owns all the other ribose patents:

"1997 - 2004. Bioenergy, Inc. amasses total of 24 issued or pending patents on the use of ribose for increasing energy in tissues and for the treatment of cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and other disease conditions".
==========

Erling.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2012 08:24PM by Erling.

Erling,
We're pretty much on the same page. Regarding d-ribose, although it hasn't done anything for my heart in the past, this little discussion did bring up some valuable info regarding d-ribose and healing potential. My lifestyle can be self-destructive in some ways (avid dirt-biker) and the body can't keep up anymore - I'm going to give d-ribose another shot (I still have several bottles) to see if it can help with the healing process, as injuries of late have become long-term painful, including the development of nerve-ending sensitivity in some areas. If it helps, I'll post the results in the general forum.
Whether I agree with you or not, I'm always interested in what you have to say, and am glad you are saying it!

Tom

Hi Tom,

Yes, we're on the same page, but I doubt you'd try to get away with an opening line saying, "Pure and simple, a heart in arrhythmia loses ATP faster than it can be replaced, so it's downhill all the way: arrhythmia begets arrhythmia". Regrettably you were the only one to challenge that, because it's really important to do so: "Ah, Erling, if that were true then why do some of us always self-convert from afib episodes?" Your challenge is essentially (correct me if wrong): how can an episode stop if it caused a reduction in ATP fuel, if the reason for the episode was a shortage of ATP fuel in the first place?

My 7 year stretch of AF episodes always self-terminated, with only a few being so drawn-out that they tempted going for 'cardioversion' (I never did). Typically the intensity was so debilitating that all I could do was lie down with feet high and struggle to the loo for the Big Pee. Following a typically lengthy episode there was always a period of feeling drained and useless, so obviously there had been a loss of energy (ATP) throughout that took the cells some time to replenish.

But, was the termination perhaps the result of the Big Pee's lowering of serum sodium, thereby raising serum K/Na ratio and stimulating the Na/K pumps to raise cell voltage etc. (as posited in CR 72*) in spite of the cardiac cells' ATP fuel having been diminished by the AF event? The cells' workings are just too complex to be answered by Newtonian reductionist thinking, which is why quantum physiology/ biology has necessarily come into being:

Biophysicist Richard Moore, MD, PhD (The Salt Solution, 2001): Only scientists who have spent their lives looking at these systems can truly appreciate what a fantastically interconnected system the cell actually is. A spider's web would be the best analogy I can think of, and a poor one at that. If you touch one part of the web, every other part moves also. But whereas the spider's web is a two-dimensional network, the living cell is a multidimensional network. Where the different regions of a spider's web move a bit when one part is touched, different regions of the living cell can go through whole transformations as a result of an initial change in just one particular part. The cell is a miraculously complex phenomenon indeed.

Quantum cell biologist Bruce Lipton, PhD (The Biology Of Belief, 2011): Cellular constituents are woven into a complex web of crosstalk, feedback, and feed-forward communication loops. A biological dysfunction may arise from a miscommunication among any of the routes of communication flow... The physical sciences have already embraced quantum physics with sensational results... It's been a long time coming, but the quantum biological revolution is nigh.

Erling.

* [www.afibbers.org]

Excerpts from Life Extension Magazine May 2007 [www.lef.org]

Enhancing Cardiac Energy with Ribose

D-ribose is the new kid on the heart supplement block. As a building block of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), it rapidly restores depleted energy in sick hearts. Red meat, particularly veal, contains the highest dietary concentration of D-ribose, but not significant enough to provide any meaningful nutritional support, especially to unwell individuals. Heart, skeletal muscle, brain, and nerve tissue can only make enough D-ribose to manage their day-to-day needs when their cells are not stressed. Unfortunately, these cells lack the metabolic machinery to make D-ribose quickly when they come under metabolic stress such as blood and oxygen deprivation (ischemia). When oxygen or blood flow deficits are chronic, as in heart disease, tissues can never make enough D-ribose. Cellular energy levels become depleted.

-- from Reverse Heart Disease Now by Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, and James C. Roberts, MD [www.amazon.com]

The Doctor as Guinea Pig

When Dr. Roberts heard about D-ribose, a light bulb immediately went on in his head. For some time, he had been using L-carnitine and CoQ10 in his medical practice to boost energy metabolism in sick hearts, but neither L-carnitine nor CoQ10 can rebuild the metabolic energy pool once it has been depleted by heart disease. He wondered if D-ribose could be the missing link.

Before trying it on patients, he decided to try it first on himself. As a marathon runner, he knows the importance of energy recovery. It is the impaired recovery of the muscle ATP pool that causes the pain, soreness, stiffness, and fatigue that follow long-distance training runs. He found that taking D-ribose before and after a run eliminated these problems. The usual muscle pain and soreness that persist for a day or two, or even three, were gone. He was no longer fatigued in the days after a hard workout. He was convinced!
=======================

From Life Extension Magazine May 2008 D-Ribose: Energize Your Heart, Save Your Life

Rejuvenate Cardiac Cellular Energy Production By Julius G. Goepp, MD [www.lifeextensionvitamins.com]
References (50 articles) [www.lifeextensionvitamins.com]

Erling,

My experiences with afib have included awful episodes with the big pee, and longer ones with hardly any overt symptoms other than the arrhythmia itself - yet I've always self-converted. Since I've been on the more balanced K:Na diet, the episodes have generally been much milder, with the origins being more easily assessed. There is no doubt, that in my case, the effects of diet (and likely nutrient absorption) play a huge role in the vagal nerve's role of participating in initiating afib in an environment of generally irritated foci. What has steered me away from the ablation option is the fact that when my heart problems occur, they are not limited to atrial foci, but usually manifest as PVC's as well. The purchase of an inexpensive EKG machine helped me in that regard. The problem is systemic, an ablation may remove some hot spots, but not solve the problem altogether.

So, I continue to focus on vagal nerve irritability and have had great success so far. The supplements that have helped me in that regard are curcumin (to reduce inflammation) and valerian (which I take first thing in the morning, my most vulnerable time - this is a sympathetic mitigator). Regarding diet, I have found that dairy products do affect the efficiency of my gut, and tomatoes (as noted in an earlier post) do, in fact, inhibit the parasympathetic to the degree (in my case) that actually increases foci irritability. My heart at the moment is the calmest it has been in years, and over the last six months I have had only one episode which was brought on by an experiment using a supplement consisting of a powerful alkaloid (which was part of what clued me into the tomato alkaloid problem).

Btw, the issue of nattokinase use is controversial to me...as I have had fibrinogen levels checked several times over the last 6 months and found that even with increased doses of natto, the fibrinogen rises (as does both general c-reactive protein and cardiac c-reactive protein in HUGE numbers 10.38 mg/L) clearly correlating to the level of INFLAMMATION in my beat-up body! So...my diet has also reflected that aspect, and is adjusted to reduce inflammation by dietary choices and sufficient rest between physical activity (maybe, heh).

I believe it is critical for persons who rely on nattokinase for fibrinogen reduction to have their fibrinogen checked at least monthly, much like persons on warfarin check their blood for viscosity, in order to make sure it is doing the job. While on natto my fibrinogen went from 371 to 487 - I know it helps, but if a person has issues with arthritis or inflammation (like I do) it just won't do the job regarding fibrinogen - and a prescription blood thinner may be a safer option for those who have sufficiently long incidents of afib to construct a clot

Finally, with regard to cardiac c-reactive protein, to demonstrate what a misleading test that can be if one is prone to inflammation - my c-rp level was only 0.4 after 4 days of supra-ventricular tachycardia due to afib - my skin was yellow, I was extremely weak and probably ready to croak, but being an independent cuss, I waited til the last minute to get a rate reduction drug at the hospital where they did a barrage of tests. Now, without any heart events but with some elevated inflammation my last lab test (about 2 months ago) my cardiac c-reactive protein was 10.4 mg/L practically off the scale!
See the problem with testing results? It's all about context!


So, the multiple issues of afib origin aren't so easily defined for me, but are slowly being brought out and mitigated. I'm not quite so fearful now of salt in the diet, and have increased the intake to a whopping 1100 mg sodium per day - LOL,

What a interesting and sometimes emotional roller-coaster ride this has been!

Tom



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/15/2012 10:33AM by Tom B.

Ehrling,
I'm 2/3 into the Sinatra book. There was a posting on this subject regarding the necessity/effectiveness of this therapy for those (of us) whose episodes always self terminate....a subject also not addressed in the book, nor is the subject of 'lone' atrial fibrillation. An intriguing theory this presents, indeed, and makes sense...especially for those of us who have recently engaged in healthier lifestyles but just can't seem to get the afib under control. Keep up the good work. You are a star.