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Dietary supplement

Ribose Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NutraBio

Ribose label
See full label image
Powder Category: Fiber And Other Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Ribose against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Ribose is a dietary supplement by NutraBio with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for energy and fatigue, athletic performance and recovery, fibromyalgia symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ribose. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Ribose by NutraBio

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Ribose by NutraBio — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ribose by NutraBio

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: ribose, a five-carbon sugar your cells use to make energy. It's marketed for athletic performance and heart health, though the evidence for those uses is mixed or not yet clear.

Does it work?

Leans against
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: energy and athletic performance support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Muscle soreness, Congestive heart failure (CHF), Coronary heart disease (CHD) — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Ribose is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ribose is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Coronary heart disease (CHD), Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Fibromyalgia, and more.

The data we hold shows ribose is possibly ineffective for athletic performance and McArdle disease (a rare muscle disorder). For restless legs syndrome, muscle soreness, congestive heart failure, and recovery after heart bypass surgery, there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works.

If you're considering ribose for one of these uses, ask your pharmacist what the current research actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Ribose

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Ribose is generally well tolerated in short-term use (up to about a month), but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. The main concern is that it lowers blood sugar — especially important if you're on diabetes medications or insulin.

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and low blood sugar; some people report anxiety or lightheadedness, which may ease if you lower the dose. There isn't enough safety information to use ribose during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it if either applies to you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Ribose

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Ribose.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your blood sugar medications and insulin before taking this product. Ribose can lower blood sugar, and combining it with these drugs might cause your glucose to drop too much.

Altogether, these interactions span 85 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Ribose is a straightforward single-ingredient supplement, but if you take insulin or blood sugar medication, you'll need to check it first — it can lower glucose. Even if you don't take those drugs, the long-term safety picture isn't clear, and we don't yet know if it actually works for the conditions people take it for.

A conversation with your pharmacist before starting is a smart move.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Ribose, straight from the product label.

Brand NutraBio
Barcode (UPC) 649908240400
Net contents 17.6 Ounce(s); 1.1 Pound(s); 500 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2024
DSLD ID 309348
Product type Fiber And Other Nutrients
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Ribose by NutraBio, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
5 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
5 Gram(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
649908240400
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories20 Calories--
Total Carbohydrates5 Gram(s)2%
Added Sugars5 Gram(s)10%
Total Sugars5 Gram(s)--
Ribose5 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Absolutely None

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 1 serving daily or as needed. Take 30-45 minutes before and after exercise or physical activity.

Formulation

Vegetarian

Gluten free Non-GMO Lactose free

Manufactured in our GMP & FDA inspected facility

Precautions

Warning: Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are pregnant, breast feeding, have known medical conditions (including kidney or liver disease) or are taking prescription OTC medication(s) consult with your health care practitioner before using this product.

Ribose will temporarily depress blood sugar several points for an hour after ingestion. This is usually sub-clinical. However, it is recommended ribose be taken with food, juice or around meal time to avoid potential symptoms of hypoglycemia. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Warning: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food.

Seals/Symbols

Check. Verify. Trust. View independent lab results Checkmysupps.com

Made In USA with Ingredients Sourced Worldwide

OU (Kosher)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

OU (Kosher)

Storage

This product is sold by weight, not volume. Some settling of contents may have occurred. Store in a cool dry place.

General Statements

Serving scoop included. Product filled to this level

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

NutraBio Since 1996

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Ribose by NutraBio label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Ribose label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Ribose by NutraBio

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size5 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Ribose

Interacts with
86 drugs
5 Gram(s) per serving

Ribose (D-ribose) is a simple sugar your body makes naturally and uses to build energy molecules like ATP. Some people take it for fatigue, fibromyalg...

Ribose monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Absolutely None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Ribose by NutraBio Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Ribose?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ribose 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Ribose interact with 86 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Ribose interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ribose

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Ribose with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Ribose2 drug types · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ribose in combination with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In clinical research, ribose decreases serum glucose levels in a dose-dependent manner.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Insulin

Theoretically, taking ribose with insulin could increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin.
In clinical pharmacokinetic studies, oral administration of ribose modestly increased serum insulin levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Ribose full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Ribose, from the product label.

NutraBio

See all NutraBio products
Name
NutraBio Labs, Inc.
Street Address
564 Lincoln Blvd.
City
Middlesex
State
NJ
ZipCode
08846
Phone Number
732-748-8606
Web Address
www.nutrabio.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ribose by NutraBio: Common Questions

Does Ribose by NutraBio interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Ribose has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Ribose contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on metformin or another diabetes drug?
Not without checking first. Ribose lowers blood sugar on its own, and when combined with antidiabetes drugs, it could increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Use the medication checker on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
Is ribose safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information for either. The data advises against it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this supplement is right for you.
What are the most common side effects?
Diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and headache are the most common when taken by mouth. Some people also report low blood sugar, anxiety, lightheadedness, or increased appetite. Lowering your dose may help resolve nausea or anxiety.
How long is it safe to take ribose?
Studies show ribose is generally well tolerated for up to about one month. Long-term safety hasn't been well studied, so we don't have clear data on safety beyond that window.
Does ribose actually work for athletic performance?
The evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective for athletic performance. If you're thinking about ribose for sports, ask your pharmacist what the research actually supports.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Ribose is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Ribose label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Ribose’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Ribose

Interacts with 86 drugs

Ribose (D-ribose) is a simple sugar your body makes naturally and uses to build energy molecules like ATP. Some people take it for fatigue, fibromyalgia, exercise recovery, or heart conditio...

Read the full Ribose monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Ribose's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 8 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Ribose 8 references
  1. Segal S, Foley J. The metabolism of D-ribose in man. J Clin Invest 1958;37:719-35. PubMed
  2. Perlmutter NS, Wilson RA, Angello DA, et al. Ribose facilitates thallium-201 redistribution in patients with coronary artery disease. J Nucl Med 1991;32:193-200.
  3. Hegewald MG, Palac RT, Angello DA, et al. Ribose infusion accelerates thallium redistribution with early imaging compared with late 24-hour imaging without ribose. J Am Coll Cardiol 1991;18:1671-81. PubMed
  4. Pliml W, von Arnim T, Stalein A, et al. Effects of ribose on excercise-induced ischaemia in stable coronary artery disease. Lancet 1992;340:507-10.
  5. Burke ER. D-Ribose What You Need To Know. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group 1999;1-43.
  6. Gross M, Reiter S, Zollner N. Metabolism of D-ribose administered continuously to healthy persons and to patients with myoadenylate deaminase deficiency. Klin Wochenschr 1989;67:1205-13. PubMed
  7. Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 2006;12:857-62. PubMed
  8. Thompson J, Neutel J, Homer K, Tempero K, Shah A, Khankari R. Evaluation of D-ribose pharmacokinetics, dose proportionality, food effect, and pharmacodynamics after oral solution administration in healthy male and female subjects. J Clin Pharmacol 2014;54 PubMed

See these in context on the Ribose monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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