Ribose-ize to Energize

While creatine has been the supplement of choice for supercharging muscle energetics, ribose appears to be a close second. It has other benefits as well, including fostering better sleep, mental function and pain reduction.

According to Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of From Fatigued to Fantastic!, “Ribose is what the energy molecules in our bodies are made from.” Teitelbaum has studied the effect of ribose on chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, concluding, “Our two studies, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, show an average 45 to 59 percent increase in overall energy after three weeks [of ribose supplementation].”

Scientists have also found that ribose can synergize with creatine in the formation of ATP for heightened muscle contraction. That means about five grams of ribose in your preworkout protein drink, along with creatine, may give you the boost you need to drive your sets further into the growth zone.

—Becky Holman

Editor’s note: Ribose Size is available at www.Muscle-Link.com.