Ribose

Ribose is a chemical byproduct of glucose metabolism in the human body. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is an energy source for the body, and as we move, exercise, etc., our ATP levels must be replenished. Fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers both use ATP in order to function, and this can lead to a rapid loss of ATP molecules, which can cause a rapid breakdown of energy efficiency. Ribose is the only compound that the body can use as a starting point to replenish the depleted ATP molecules.

Ribose may be an effective companion to other muscular energy-promoting supplements such as creatine and beta-alanine. There is no recommended daily dosage for ribose, although it is generally supplemented in amounts similar to creatine; anywhere from 2 grams to 6 grams daily.