D-Ribose

Energy for those in Heart Failure, #3.

D-ribose has been used in practices for heart failure patients, those with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Years ago I studied three times with a delightful MD named Jacob Teitelbaum. He had written a famous book called From Fatigues to Fantastic. This book was on the New York Times bestseller list for weeks and weeks! One day, about five years after completing training with Dr. T, I received an email. The email shared a new enhancement to his program for fatigue. It now included D-ribose as a supplement. Interestingly, When I had an opportunity to speak with renowned cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, M.D., he also mentioned D-ribose.

Now as you know I am not here to be your practitioner. This information is does not constitute a Dr/ patient relationship. Please find a practitioner to work with when starting any new program.

Typical paradigms of treatment may not give much consideration to natural supplements. . D-Ribose supplements may be of some benefit to people with heart failure, though the evidence is not voluminous. Some ’big’ name mainstream organizations suggest that not all nutritional supplements may be effective at treating heart failure. I agree with this statement. But, let me add, the ones that are can be very effective!

In one study, researchers gave a small sample of people with congestive heart failure (CHF) 5 g of D-ribose daily for six weeks. Heart function measurements improved in 64% of subjects. Those improvements were sustained in follow-up assessments three weeks after ceasing supplementation. Only 11 people were enrolled in this trial, so the level of evidence is weak. Also, there was no placebo control to compare against the results of the D-ribose treatment. I would say this is consistent or even low with what I have seen in clinical practice. I am a bit conservative. I do not start my patients at 5 grams to start.

A randomized controlled trial of 216 people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) showed supplementing with 15 g of D-ribose per day decreased heart failure symptoms and increased ejection fraction (a measure of the heart's strength). While more information is needed, the researchers suggested D-ribose may be a helpful addition to standard treatments for this type of heart failure.

In my previous posts, I talked about other nutrients that can be utilized in heart failure. Supplementation can potentially be extremely important in aiding a patient to be more comfortable and less fatigued. I have several more ideas in the next post

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I have accumulated more than 5,000 hours of study after my doctorate (DC) in clinical nutrition. My main subspecialty is cardiovascular nutrition. Thank you for putting up with me as I learn to not only write, but figure how to get everything posted. Over time I plan to become more adept at both. In the meantime, if you like my information, please give me check in the heart I appreciate it.

One last note for you. In Sub-Stack I have come across at least two absolutely excellent cardiologists. I highly recommend both if you want deeper information than I am offering. There are more but I will find them and bring their information to you in my next post.

One is Slow Aging and Delay Chronic Disease Development with William H. Bestermann Jr. MD. Super excellent and highly recommended!

Dr. Paddy Barrett. Another do not miss! Super awesome blogs.

Hopefully my next task will be learning to hyperlink. Come on now, go ahead and smile at me. It’s good for your heart health! Laugh a bit too! I do not mind.