D-ribose is a naturally occurring 5-carbon sugar found in all living cells.
The body naturally produces D-ribose, which begins the metabolic process of producing cellular energy, or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP production, either through the synthesis of new energy or through the energy-saving pathway, is limited by the availability of D-ribose. Therefore, the pathways that restore cellular energy do not function if the body does not have an adequate supply of D-ribose.
During periods of increased metabolic demand, D-ribose supplementation may support increased metabolic demands, reduce exercise recovery time, and support and improve cardiac function.