The use of ribose in sports nutrition is gaining the trust of an increasing number of functional food and drink manufacturers.  
Indeed, this valuable carbohydrate can improve the nutritional profile of food and drink and is very useful for athletes during periods of intense training to improve energy levels and prevent muscle fatigue by raising the threshold of fatigue perception.  
 

So, what is ribose?  

 

There is a reason why ribose is an essential element closely linked to producing energy: As an essential substance for cell synthesis, it is the basis of vital cell compounds including purines and pyrimidines, which the human body uses to form DNA and RNA.  

In particular, ribose is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy molecule used by almost all metabolic reactions that take place in the body. Whether through intense exertion or normal energy metabolism, ribose is involved in reactions leading to nerve transmission and muscle contraction. 

The human body is normally able to satisfy the daily requirement for ribose by synthesising glucose. Glucose is in fact the most abundant sugar in the Mediterranean diet, which is recommended as a healthy and balanced diet. It is found in fruit and complex carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, rice, potatoes and chestnuts. 

However, when the body is subjected to very intense and long-lasting exertion, as in endurance sports, the body uses glucose reserves to respond to energy expenditure. Consequently, the need for ribose increases to ensure the release of expendable energy directly into the body for any metabolic function. 

 

Ribose as a sports supplement 

 

Sportsmen and women can benefit from ribose supplementation to improve athletic performance and aid recovery, especially in high-intensity sports, those requiring prolonged exertion and those requiring high acceleration, changes of pace and anaerobic power, as well as continuous muscular exertion. 

Ribose contributes to: 

• Increasing athletic performance and resistance 
• Restoring and maintaining energy levels 
• Speeding up recovery 
• Reducing muscle stiffness 
• Supporting cardiovascular health 
• Maintaining a healthy blood stream and circulation 

Ribose regulates the body’s natural energy synthesis and helps balance the energy supply. But that’s not all: Ribose has potentially useful antioxidant properties to protect muscles and tendons from reactive oxygen species-induced damage. 

 

Bioenergy Ribose: functional ingredient chosen by Alesco 

 

Alesco has chosen to be the official distributor of Bioenergy Ribose®, a patented 100% natural, clinically tested and versatile ingredient that can be applied to foods, functional drinks and supplements for athletes at any level. 

Bioenergy Ribose® is the only D-Ribose Novel Food authorised as a food ingredient in Europe, a unique 5-carbon-atom carbohydrate that can be used as a stand-alone product or as an ingredient in a wide range of nutraceuticals, functional foods and beverages. 

Furthermore Bioenergy Ribose® does not increase the glycaemic index in the blood, which makes it a healthy, balanced source of carbohydrates.