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In patients with fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) muscle tissue is often exceptionally starved for energy. Muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness, and soreness can all result from this lack of energy in muscle cells. An interesting study was conducted by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. on the beneficial effects of a simple sugar called D-ribose, reviewed in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
These patients took about 2 teaspoons three times a day for about a month. About 2/3 of the patients experienced significant improvement in relief from pain and fatigue with no side effects. D-ribose is involved with cellular ability to generate energy. The abstract for this journal article is below, and link to the complete study is here. [full article link]
The Use of D-Ribose in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
and Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study
JACOB E. TEITELBAUM, M.D.,1 CLARENCE JOHNSON, M.S.2, and JOHN ST. CYR, M.D., Ph.D.2
Abstract
Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are debilitating syndromes that are often associated with impaired cellular energy metabolism. As D-ribose has been shown to increase cellular energy synthesis in heart and skeletal muscle, this open-label uncontrolled pilot study was done to evaluate if D-ribose could improve symptoms in fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
Design: Forty-one (41) patients with a diagnosis of FMS and/or CFS were given D-ribose, a naturally occurring pentose carbohydrate, at a dose of 5 g t.i.d. for a total of 280 g. All patients completed questionnaires containing discrete visual analog scales and a global assessment pre- and post-D-ribose administration.
Results: D-ribose, which was well-tolerated, resulted in a significant improvement in all five visual analog scale (VAS) categories: energy; sleep; mental clarity; pain intensity; and well-being, as well as an improvement in patients' global assessment. Approximately 66% of patients experienced significant improvement while on D-ribose, with an average increase in energy on the VAS of 45% and an average improvement in overall well-being of 30% (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions: D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.