Ribose Side Effects

Ribose sugar is an organic compound that is found in form of D-ribose in nature. Emil Fischer in 1891 was the first to discover a ribose sugar. It is the backbone of an RNA molecule that is important for the process of transcription. Ribose can be a subunit of many other compounds like ATP and NADH which are important for metabolism after phosphorylation.

Ribose sugar is produced in the human body system in the form of glucose. Ribose sugar is found in all living organisms. Ribose sugar plays an important role in the synthesis of RNA, DNA and adenosisne triphosphate (ATP). It is a carbohydrate molecule that helps in production of energy during short power bursts by producing ATP. Today, this naturally occurring ribose sugar is being manufactured commercially as a medicinal product.

Ribose sugar supplements are available in the market in various forms like powder, capsule, table and chewable tablet form. The most common commercial names under which ribose sugar is manufactured is beta-D-ribofuranose or D-ribose. It used to treat a metabolic disorder called the myoadenylate deaminase deficiency (MAD or AMD). It is also prescribed to treat coronary artery disease that causes decrease in flow of blood through the arteries of the heart. Many athletes use ribose sugar supplements to increase their stamina and endurance.

Ribose Structure
The ribose structure is similar to the aldose sugar molecules and is a 5 carbon atom structure. It is an aldopentose compound that is basically a monosaccharide sugar in acylic form. It has an aldehyde functional group present at one end. When the ribose sugar is in a ring form, it means it is a component of the RNA molecule. When an oxygen atom is missing at the position 2 of the ribose sugar, it becomes a component of DNA molecule. The following is an acyclic ribose structure:



There are certain other distinguishing features of the ribose structure that helps in distinguishing it from a DNA and RNA molecule :

• When the double bonded oxygen is present on the first carbon atom in the linear ribose structure, it becomes the beta OH that is used to bond to a base unit.
• The OH atom in the second position helps to distinguish between the RNA and DNA ribose
• The phosphate group of other nucleotides bind to the OH group of the carbon.
• The ring is closed with the help of the OH group on the fourth carbon.
• The phosphate unit on which the ribose is present is linked with the help of the OH group on the fifth carbon

Side Effects of Ribose Sugar

Ribose sugar is not an essential nutrient and food sources do not provide the recommended doses. Doctors recommend 1 to 10 g per day of ribose sugar supplements to sportsmen. Doctors also recommend ribose sugar supplement in low doses for heart patients. Till now, not a single case of lasting or damaging ribose side effect has been reported. There are a few minor ribose side effects that include:

• Diarrhea and stomach discomfort
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Lightheartedness
• Increased supply of blood to the heart
• Increase in blood sugar levels

Intake of ribose sugar supplements is not recommended to those with diabetes or hypoglycemia. If you are on insulin, it may cause your blood sugar levels to drop to low. Also, pregnant women, lactating women and very young children should not be taking any ribose sugar supplements.

These are a few ribose sugar side effects. If you want to start on ribose sugar supplements, speak to your doctor about the doses that will be suitable for you. Studies have shown contradictory statements regarding the benefits of ribose sugar. Some say it has no significant effect or benefit and some say it shows increasing endurance, strength and stamina. Although, there are not many serious ribose side effects, but caution should be exercised.