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Ribose - reminder of importance

Posted by Jackie 
Ribose - reminder of importance
March 31, 2018 04:02PM
The D-ribose success in managing AF mentioned in the response post by Malinovs [www.afibbers.org] is an important reminder to many new to this forum and is definitely something of which afibbers need to be aware.

In some people, ribose can lower blood glucose so it’s typically taken with a meal or snack for that reason. My glucose levels are often on the low side so I do take my ribose with meals and have no problems with hypoglycemic rebound effects.

Do take the time to read this detailed report on D-ribose (aka Ribose) from 12 years ago as it remains very important and useful - actually for overall heart health... whether or not you have AF in your history.

Energizing Heart & Muscle Cells with D-Ribose
September 24, 2006
[www.afibbers.org]

Ribose is included in The Strategy recommendations at this link
[www.afibbers.org]

When I was gathering information for that first ribose post, I contacted BioEnergy who makes the d-ribose/Corvalen™ product and was provided with an abundance of background science about why ribose is needed for energy production and how it works in the body. A relevant clip from a presentation by Clarence Johnson, BioEnergy, follows which is good information and a reminder about what our hearts cells need to function well. Ribose is especially important for those who are heavy exercisers.

Quote:
Ribose is the only compound the body can use to build energy substrates. Ribose builds energy and other compounds like carnitine, creatine, Q10 affect utilization of energy – very important differences. Each have a role but if not enough volume in the cell, the cell will run out of energy and will not function properly.

Like your car… fuel is volume of energy substrate available to car and this fuel is made from ribose. The spark that gives the power to make the car go is Q10. If enough fuel and a good spark, car will run smoothly, if low in fuel, it won’t go or will run very rough – no matter how well the spark plus works… not enough fuel.

Hearts fuel on fatty acids. Hearts have incredible capacity to utilize ATP by volume and by weight and have more mitochondria than any other tissue in the body. As long as a heart has enough oxygen, it will continue to make all the energy it needs. There is about 700 mg. of ATP in the heart and everyday the heart consumes about 6 Kilograms of ATP so the ability of the heart to recycle it’s ATP pool is extraordinary – turns over about 10,000 times a day so is very efficient but when hearts become stressed, they lose the ability to turn over ATP very efficiently at all – hearts have virtually no capacity for anaerobic metabolism; they must have oxygen to keep pace with energy demands and when they don’t get enough oxygen through ischemic disease or even strenuous exercise, that taxes the heart and it loses energy substrates.

The ATP gets broken down and it continues to break down all the way to the monophosphates and eventually as the monophate concentration goes up, the heart can’t stand that increase and breaks down AMP further to adenosine and washes adenosine out of the cell. The result then is the total pool of energy substrates in the heart goes down.

Those energy substrates have to be replaced – losing purines in heart muscle cells is a metabolic disaster. They have to be replaced and ribose is the only compound that can replacement. But here’s the problem: ribose is formed in the cell from glucose but when cells become stressed, they want to preserve glucose for flux down the glycolytic pathway.

When thee is not enough oxygen, glycolysis is the only mechanism the cell has to turn over ATP – to convert ADP back to ATP. It has to use the glucose for that purpose and so it doesn’t make ribose.

Heart muscle cells have very poor expression of the enzymes that turn on the ribose pathway, the pentose phosphate pathway. And because they don’t have those enzymes, or a very high concentration of those enzymes, making ribose in heart muscle cells is extremely slow. Consequently when the cells become stressed and they lose energy, ribose can’t be made , they can’t replace the energy very quickly and the tissue suffers.

In normal healthy hearts, that have been stressed with ischemia or hypoxic insult, research shows that it takes more than 10 days to fully recover the energy charge. That’s in a normal healthy heart. In muscle, we know it takes more than 3 days because we’ve done all the studies to show the ATP recovery rate in skeletal muscle following exercise and we know it to be greater than 3 days.

So, with a chronic case of oxygen deprivation, like in heart disease or what I call chronic exercise – when people exercise every day or when high intensity exercise every day or every other day, and the oxygen deprivation is repeated, the tissue simply can’t make ribose fast enough to ever recover. (note – emphasizing “ever”). That’s why for example in congestive heart failure, the energy level of the heart continues to go down and down until the patient finally dies.
End quotes.

Fortunately, with AF we are not typically considering heart failure, but the energy system for healthy heart function still applies and d-ribose can definitely be very useful.

Do an advanced search here for forum ribose reports and comments and follow the many associated links offered there.

Life Extension offered this well-referenced report on ribose…. take note
D-ribose Energize Your Heart – Save Your Life
[www.lifeextension.com]

Knowledge is power.
Jackie
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 01, 2018 01:17AM
Thanks Jackie, very good to know

I have Ribose in bulk powder and wonder if taking it as powder is a problem in that I'm putting sugar in my mouth several times a day and not brushing each time I do it.

My query is, is it putting my at risk orally to take it this way, like for cavities and so on.

I can put it in capsules if necessary.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/01/2018 01:18AM by DavidK.
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 01, 2018 02:38PM
David - while ribose is a type of sugar, (a 5-carbon monosaccaride), it's not glucose (a 6-carbon sugar) or sucralose or fructose; however, any sugar-type residues that remain in the oral cavity such as remnants of ingested sugar or starchy carbs have the potential to cause tooth decay in relatively short time from the bacterial acid created. To be on the safe side, I’d follow the powder with a good, vigorous swish of pure water. I’ve been using the d-ribose powder either in water or added to a protein powder shake or herbal tea for a very long time; not followed by brushing immediately… with absolutely no tooth decay. But why risk it?

Jackie
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 01, 2018 09:07PM
David, can I ask where you purchase the powder in bulk?
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 02, 2018 09:49AM
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 02, 2018 11:52AM
Thank you.
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 03, 2018 01:49AM
Also I like Hard Rhino for Ribose and other bulk stuff:

Hard Rhino Bulk Ribose 1 kg

I find Bulk Supplements and Hard Rhino good for most bulk powders
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 03, 2018 07:26PM
Jackie, I suppose ribose poses something of a problem for those trying to go sugar-free/ketogenic such as George N here on this forum no?

EDIT: Just Googled Leto diet and ribose and found this on the Dr Rosedale website:

Quote

Supplements and recommendations → D-ribose, does it effect insulin or leptin?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Dr Rosedale, whats your opinion of D-ribose, does it effect insulin or leptin , if not why? and what is it made from

It does not effect insulin or leptin directly. Taking D-ribose will not get into the cell. Benfotiamine, a fat soluble form of thiamine that converts glucose into ribose intracellularly, and then the ribose itself is a great substrate for RNA (and other important intracellular molecules, and is a much better option in my opinion. Benfotiamine helps to reduce intracellular glycation unlike D-ribose.

Have you come across benfotiamine before Jackie?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/03/2018 07:35PM by mwcf.
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 04, 2018 12:51PM
Hi Mike...
No. Ribose is different. George can give us the biochemistry regarding ATP energy requirements related to Ketosis but the science around ribose says it does not interfere with the Ketogenic process because intake of d-ribose goes directly to supporting the metabolic energy process of making ATP…the energy molecule. The importance of d-ribose goes to making sure muscles and specifically the heart (muscle) has enough energy during exertion and post exertion so there isn’t deficit damage. Ribose increases cellular energy synthesis in your body’s heart and skeletal muscles.

Here are some clips from the book by cardiologist, Stephen Sinatra, MD on the Biochemistry and Metabolism of D-ribose (p. 135 The Sinatra Solution)

" The official chemical name of D-ribose is D-ribofuranose It is a simple free cabon sugar or pentose and is found in every living cell of the human body. Because it is a five-carbon sugar, ribose is not used in the body in glycolysis, the normal pathway of carbohydrate metabolism contributing to energy turnover. That pathway uses six-carbon sugar such as glucose. Ribose is conserved by the cell for its primary role, that of rebuilding the energy pool.

Natural synthesis is the dominant source of D-ribose in tissue. Cellular synthesis begins with glucose and involves a series of reactions that flow through a complicated metabolic pathway called the pentose phosphate pathway or the hexose monophosphate shunt. Because a byproduct of the pentose phosphate pathway is a large production of chemical compounds the body uses to synthesize fatty acids and steroids used to make hormones, this pathway works most efficiently in tissues that produce these compounds. Such tissues are the liver, adrenal cortex, mammary tissue and adipose tissue. As a practical matter, these tissues can make all the ribose they need and are ot helped by ribose supplementation. Unfortunately, ribose made by these tissues cannot be moved into the blood for transport to other tissues where it is needed.

Other tissues, including the heart, skeletal muscle, nerve tissue, brain and the like can only make enough ribose to manage their day-to-day needs when the cells are not stressed. Unfortunately for us, these cells lack the metabolic machinery they need to make ribose quickly when they come under metabolic stress such as oxygen deprivation.

Common sugars such as glucose, sucrose (table sugar) fructose and other sugars we see in foods are used by the body for energy recycling via glycosis. In this way, these sugars contribute to energy turnover. Certain of these sugars, especially sucrose, are also what are now referred to as ‘bad’ sugars because they provoke an insulin spike.

Ribose is unique among sugars. It is the only sugar used by the body to regulate an control a vital metabolic pathway. Ribose in the cell drives the synthesis and salvage of energy compounds, production of the genetic material DNA and RNA and the synthesis of certain vitamins and coenzymes crucial in cellular function. Of all the sugars found in nature, ribose is the only one that performs these vital metabolic duties.(p. 138) end quote

Dr. Sinatra observes : " If medical science could develop a pill that would give us ATP that would be great - but it won't happen! We must rely on creative ways to support or enhance natural ATP production in the body and D-ribose is the solution. Ribose is quickly absorbed and leaves the blood rapidly. " (p. 145)

The product data sheet for ribose from Designs for Health offers this:
All the necessary compounds for life are made in the
body through a series of complicated biochemical
metabolic pathways. Ribose is no different. In the body,
ribose is made from glucose (a simple 6-carbon sugar)
through a pathway called the Pentose Phosphate
Pathway (PPP) or Hexose Monophosphate Shunt
(HMS). This is the same pathway that makes xylitol, a
six carbon sugar. Unfortunately, in heart and muscle
cells important enzymes that regulate the activity of this
pathway are lacking. As such, forming ribose in heart
and muscle cells is a slow process. As a result heart and
muscle tissues are unable to replace energy pools quickly
once they have been depleted by disease or exercise.

And a Dr. Passwater.com interview offers this similar observation:

Other important results were found by Wallen et al. showing that ribose administration to healthy, normal hearts increased the anaerobic threshold and delayed the onset of irreversible ischemic injury by 26%. 25 Seifert and co-workers used a placebo controlled crossover design study to show that ribose administration reduced the heart rate of athletes exercising at constant workload and controlled free radical formation normally resulting from high-intensity exercise.16 These findings are particularly meaningful for athletes placing significant stress on their hearts through repeated, prolonged bouts of high-intensity exercise associated with endurance sports and in considering the effects of free radical formation on overtraining and exercise recovery.

Summary
There can be no doubt that ribose administration stimulates purine metabolism and accelerates cellular energy recovery when tissues face periods of metabolic stress. Depressed cellular energy levels contribute to a myriad of physiological conditions affecting muscle function and performance, including:
Muscle stiffness, soreness, weakness and delayed recovery from exercise
Cell membrane and muscle fiber damage
Edema, swelling and electrochemical disruption
Activation of protease and phospholipase that attack the cell
Free radical formation and attack on
Cell membranes
Mitochondria
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Fatigue
Delayed macromolecule synthesis

By maintaining cellular energy charge, controlling cellular purine loss, and increasing energy synthesis and salvage ribose helps alleviate these symptoms, speeds recovery from exertion, and offsets cell and tissue damage caused by overtraining. 10

10 Hellsten-Westing Y, B Norman, PD Balsom, B Sjodin. Decreased resting levels of adenine nucleotides in human skeletal muscle after high-intensity training. J Appl Physiol, 1993;74(5):2523-2528.
25 Seifert J, A Subudhi, M-X Fu, K Riska, J John. The effects of ribose ingestion on indices of free radical production during hypoxic exercise. Free Rad Biol Med 2002;33(suppl 1)S269.

I can copy more of the text from Dr. Sinatra’s book and send to you by email if that would help.

On the Benfotiamine...yes, that's commonly recommended to help in those with elevated glucose levels and to help prevent damage from advanced glycation end-products (AGES) or what Dr. Rosedale calls 'carmelizing of tissue' and also Benfotiamine inhibits several pathways involved in glucose-induced vascular changes and supports healthy neuron function.

Hope this helps.

Jackie
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 05, 2018 03:19PM
I noticed the Life Extensions D-Ribose tablet formulation includes Calcium (84 mg I believe). Should that be a concern?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/05/2018 03:46PM by wolfpack.
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 05, 2018 06:13PM
Wolfpack - That one serving dose is for 5 tablets... in order to provide the equivalency of one teaspoon ribose or 5 grams... and the 84 mg Ca is also for 5 tablets total... but, still not good to take calcium supplements

That said, however, look at the other additives in that formula... all that extra junk. Why not just use the powder? Life Extension has that as well and it's also by BioEnergy.

Jackie
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 05, 2018 06:16PM
D-Ribose is a type of simple sugar it makes up part of Riboflavin or Vit. B2--your body uses to make energy. Ribose is not an essential nutrient because your body manufactures it, and it is found in a variety of plant and animal foods.

Protein Sources

Red meat, poultry, fish and nuts are quality sources of riboflavin or ribose. Three ounces of roasted, light meat chicken contains 0.08 milligram of riboflavin, while the same amount of dark meat chicken boasts 0.16 milligram. Three ounces of ground beef contains 0.15 milligram, while 3 ounces of salmon has 0.13 milligram of vitamin B-2. One ounce of almonds provides you with 0.29 milligram of riboflavin.

These foods also contain protein, other B vitamins, zinc, iron, magnesium and vitamin E. Opt for lean meats, and eat 8 ounces of fish per week, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.


Eggs and Dairy Products

Milk and eggs are excellent sources of riboflavin. One cup of skim milk contains 0.45 milligram of riboflavin, and one large, hard-boiled eggs holds 0.26 milligram of this nutrient. An ounce of cheddar cheese has 0.11 milligram of this vitamin. Eggs and dairy products also boast calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein. These nutrients contribute to healthy bone mass and low blood pressure. Opt for low-fat or fat-free milk and cheese. Other options are high in fat and cholesterol, which can raise your bad cholesterol and contribute to heart disease.


Vegetables

Certain vegetables provide you with a dose of ribose or riboflavin. One-half cup of spinach holds 0.21 milligram, six spears of asparagus 0.13 milligram and 1/2 cup of broccoli 0.10 milligram. Vegetables are also an excellent source of potassium, fiber, folate and vitamins A and C.

Roast asparagus or broccoli and toss it over pasta or eat it as a side dish, add spinach to sandwiches and soups, or chop any of the three and add it to an omelet for an energizing dose of ribose to start your day.


Grain Foods

In the United States, food companies enrich wheat flour and breads with riboflavin. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, 1 cup of wheat puffed cereal contains 0.22 milligram of riboflavin, while a slice of whole-wheat bread holds 0.06 milligram. A slice of white bread contains 0.09 milligram of riboflavin. The dietary fiber in whole grains, however, can prevent constipation, reduce your cholesterol levels.

Further, those with low blood pressure conditions should not use this supplement as blood pressure may drop to unsafe levels. Finally, those scheduled for surgeries should stop using D-ribose at least two weeks before the procedures.

Drinking alcohol with ribose may also cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Likewise, it is not recommended for use with large doses of aspirin because it may cause hypoglycemia. Also, Trilisate (choline magnesium trisalicylate) may interact with D-ribose to cause unsafe blood-glucose drops. Further, propranolol (Inderal) and salsalate (Disalcid), when used in conjunction with ribose, may lower blood-glucose too much.


LIz



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/05/2018 07:23PM by Elizabeth.
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 05, 2018 11:33PM
Hi Liz - if you could list the source of the data you've posted.... it would be useful to help clarify the information.

D-ribose is a naturally-occurring pentose monosaccharide present in all living cells including the blood and is a key component of many important biomolecules such as riboflavin (i.e., vitamin B2), ribonucleic acid (RNA) and adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP).

Your clip is misleading. Restorative doses of d-ribose start with 5 grams... that's 5,000 mg and the veggie contents your report listed being sourced from riboflavin as One-half cup of spinach holds 0.21 milligram, six spears of asparagus 0.13 milligram and 1/2 cup of broccoli 0.10 milligram ---- that's just not a realistic comparison and totally misleading.

The therapeutic doses that Dr. Sinatra uses for energy issue ... muscle fatigue, heart and circulatory diseases, to help lessen fatigue from overworked muscles or hypoxic tissue is much higher than can realistically be derived from food sources. He gives dosing examples in his book for a variety of uses ....especially improving athletic performance and that's not going to happen with sources from riboflavin in veggies. Patients with heart, vascular disease, musculoskeletal or neuromuscular problems will need significantly higher doses that can be directed by physicians who understand the actions and benefits.

Supplemental d-ribose is used in a variety of cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, stabile and unstable angina, recovery from cardiac surgery or major cardiac events such as heart attacks, congestive heart failure , atrial and ventricular arrhythmia. page 146 of The Sinatra Solution.

Jackie
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
April 06, 2018 03:10AM
Jackie:

Sorry: [www.livestrong.com]

I didn't get all of my posting from this article, I read a number of different clips, can't find them right now. There is a lot of good stuff about Ribose, but because I read that Ribose might lower blood sugar and there are food sources for it I thought the info. might be prudent, I have a tendency toward low blood sugar and would probably not take Ribose.

Liz
Re: Ribose - reminder of importance
May 05, 2018 07:28PM
Catherine: I get my from Dual Health: Body and Mind at amazon.com.
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