Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Blog

Comment by Susan Bush

March 19, 2008 @ 4:51 pm

There is now a product called PeakATP on the market. I would like to hear from anyone who can tell me the difference between this formulation and the d-ribose. D-ribose is not recommended for people with blood sugar issues, which I have. I’d like to try the ATP, but so far I’ve only found limited comments that say it’s not as safe or effective as the ribose.

Comment by Maynard

March 22, 2008 @ 3:46 pm

I’ve not tried PeakATP, but I’ve always had really bad hypoglycemia.

Do try the D-Ribose anyway. I’ve been taking it at 15mg/day with Co-Q10 (300-400mg/day), L-Carnitine (2g/day), Niacinamide (B3, 500mg/day) and Magnesium (400mg/day), as part of the Sinatra Protocol for mitochondrial function.

At first, either the Q10 and/or Ribose were causing blood sugar fluctuations a bit… But nothing too bad - only the need for the occassional extra snack, (cold cuts of meat or nuts used to help balance things), and often last thing at night, before going to sleep, I’d need a snack…

I don’t know whether it’s a case of the package of supplements slowly improving things, but I’ve not had any acute hypoglycemic symptoms for quite a while now.

I think even if you’re very reactive, taking Ribose in very small amounts throughout the day should avoid any noticable dips…

Apparently the Ribose lowers blood sugar slightly rather than raising it and causing a spike then a crash… So it may be that it’s good in the long term for blood sugar problems as insulin resistance from eratic or consistently high blood sugar seems to be the main offender…

Benefits far outweigh the costs in this case I think! Ribose is the one supplement I *feel* eases symptoms and improves energy the most.

Comment by Maynard

March 22, 2008 @ 3:46 pm

(Should read 15g/day Ribose - don’t think 15mg would have much effect!)

Comment by Nancy Mc

May 8, 2008 @ 8:26 pm

in response to the blood sugar concerns- I had the same concern. Read this…

http://www.bioenergy.com/Papers/9036%20Ribose%20and%20GI.pdf

I am type 2 and have not had an issue. What I wanted to share with everyone was an unexpected benefit I have received from taking Ribose. It has given me the first undisturbed sleep I have had in at least 10 years. I have stopped taking it 4 different times to see if that was really from the ribose, and sure enough the effect is almost miraculous! For more than 10 years I woke up every 2 hours at least, without exception. I always have to urinate when I wake but suspect it is the muscle pain from fibro waking me as I am always uncomfortable every minute of the day. I only have to take it before bed to get the benefit. I now sleep 6 hours or more before waking and though I still have pain it is better and I have more energy. I take 5 grams (2 tsp.) in water the hour or so before and if I do not take it I wake up. My husband says I am never going to stop! I don’t really know why it works but it does! I have not been able to afford the 5 grams 3x a day so I think maybe my results would be even better if I did. I buy mine at Vitamin Shoppe (NOW Sports brand D-Ribose powder 8 0z., 227 grams) for $29.99. Once a day lasts me about a month and it is so worth it but I wish I could take it 3 times as recommended in the research. Has anyone had really good results with a less expensive brand?

Comment by Art Sands MD

June 6, 2008 @ 8:04 pm

I am a family physician - have been recommending d ribose for both patients that have fibromyalgia and congestive heart failure - have had excellent results in general (~ 60-70% respond well).

Comment by Debbie

June 30, 2008 @ 9:19 am

Has anyone noticed feeling worse when first taking the ribose? I took my first 5g dose this morning and feel a bit more achey. I was thinking maybe there is an intial detox reaction?

Comment by Sherril

July 13, 2008 @ 4:09 pm

The study did not have a control group. Makes it not much of a study, in my opinion.

Comment by Mojita

July 30, 2008 @ 12:48 pm

Hi Nancy,
In my family, we’ve been following the suggestions of Dr. Myhill, her clinical results seem to be the most helpful. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in energy and a decrease in pain and fatigue symptoms. You can learn a lot from dr. Myhills website.

Comment by Lois

August 1, 2008 @ 7:43 am

For Debbie,

I don’t think it could be a detox. As I understand it, ribose is a form of sugar/energy. Don’t see how that would make you have a herx?
Maybe you were having an achy day for another reason, or for an unknown reason?

Comment by Bruce Jordan

August 4, 2008 @ 4:49 am

For Nancy, Swanson Vitamins sells 10.6 oz. of d-Ribose for $27.99. I’ve been buying products from them for years and can recommend them. Good luck.

Comment by Connie Hoffman

August 14, 2008 @ 2:41 pm

Hi Debbie. I had the same problem and added the NOW brand of Cal/Mag. 3 softgels have 1000 mg. of Calcium and 500 mg. of Mag. 2 softgels works for me. That ended the build up of lactic acid. Hope this helps.