Understanding D-Ribose and Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria are important organelles referred to as cellularpowerhouses for their unique properties of cellularenergy production. With many pathologic conditions and aging, mitochondrial function declines, and there is a reduction in the production of adenosine triphosphate. The energy carrying molecule generated by cellular respirationand by pentose phosphate pathway, an alternative pathwayof glucose metabolism. D- riboseis a naturally occurring monosaccharidefound in the cells and particularly in the mitochondria is essential in energy production. Without sufficient energy, cells cannot maintain integrity and function. Supplemental D- ribosehas been shown to improve cellular processeswhen there is mitochondrial dysfunction. When individuals take supplemental D- ribose, it can bypass part of the pentosepathway to produce D-ribose-5-phosphatefor the production of energy. In this article, we review how energy is produced by cellular respiration, the pentosepathway, and the use of supplemental D- ribose.