Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Best Chewable D-Ribose Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Doctor's Best

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Fiber And Other Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Best Chewable D-Ribose is a dietary supplement by Doctor's Best with 2 active ingredients. 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 D-Ribose. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Best Chewable D-Ribose by Doctor's Best

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

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: D-Ribose, a five-carbon sugar your cells use to make energy. It's the only active component.

The rest are inactive ingredients—flavoring, citric acid, and various binders and flow agents that make the chewable form work.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Ribose's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: cellular energy and DNA/RNA support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, Coronary heart disease (CHD), Fibromyalgia — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Ribose is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ribose is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for McArdle disease.
  • 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.

D-Ribose has been studied for several conditions. For athletic performance and McArdle disease, the evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective.

For restless legs syndrome, heart failure, muscle soreness, and recovery after heart surgery, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not.

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.

D-Ribose is generally well tolerated for short-term use (up to about a month), but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. The main concern is that it can lower blood sugar.

The most common side effects you might notice are diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and rarely anxiety or lightheadedness—and lowering your dose has resolved these in some people. There isn't enough safety information to recommend D-Ribose during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist 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.

Before starting D-Ribose, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take insulin or any antidiabetes medication (pills or injections for blood sugar control). Ribose can increase the blood-sugar-lowering effect of both, raising the risk of low blood sugar.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

D-Ribose is a natural sugar your body uses for energy, but the evidence that it improves athletic performance or treats muscle problems is weak or absent. If you take insulin or any blood-sugar-lowering medication, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first—ribose may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

For most other uses, talk it over with your healthcare provider to see if it makes sense for you.

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 Aug 23, 2013.

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 Best Chewable D-Ribose, straight from the product label.

Brand Doctor's Best
Barcode (UPC) 753950002388
Net contents 90 Wafer(s); 1500 mg
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2013
DSLD ID 24440
Product type Fiber And Other Nutrients
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Best Chewable D-Ribose by Doctor's Best, 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:
1 Chewable Wafer(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Chewable Wafer(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
753950002388
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories8 {Calories}--
Total Carbohydrates2 g1%
Sugar2 g--
D-Ribose1500 mg--

Other ingredients: Invetek chewable base, natural Orange flavor, Citrus blend flavor, Citric Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide

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.
General

R 03/13

General Statements

D-ribose is a natural compound made by your body throughout life. D-ribose is a pentose sugar, or a 5-carbon sugar (more familiar sugars like glucose and fructose have 6 carbon atoms). As part of RNA and DNA, D-ribose is needed for cell maintenance and growth.* Ribose initiates the production of the critical energy molecule ATP, the primary energy source for cells.* ATP is rapidly depleted in muscle tissue by strenuous exercise. D-ribose is a core supplement for maximizing energy levels in a healthy way, without the drawbacks of stimulant ingredients.* Studies suggest that ribose can help support energy recovery after exercise.* Exercise increases free radical production in muscle tissue. Ribose supplementation may strengthen and support the body’s crucial antioxidant defenses.*

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SUPPORTS ATP PRODUCTION IN HEART AND MUSCLE TISSUE* DECREASES FREE RADICAL FORMATION DURING EXERCISE*

CONTAINS NOTHING OTHER THAN LISTED INGREDIENTS

Brand IP Statement(s)

Use of BioEnergy(TM) Ribose is licensed by BioEnergy Life Science, Inc. under U.S. Patents 6,159,942; 6,534,480; 6,218,366; 6,339,716, and other U.S. and foreign patents issued and pending.

Science-Based Nutrition(TM)

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

BIOENERGY(TM) RIBOSE(R)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Adult Use: Chew one wafer 1 - 3 times daily. May be taken with or without food.

Precautions

Caution: Insulin-dependent diabetics, pregnant women and those with elevated uric acid levels (associated with gout) should consult their physician before use.

Formulation

Suitable for Vegetarians

See for yourself

Best Chewable D-Ribose by Doctor's Best label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Best Chewable D-Ribose by Doctor's Best

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Chewable Wafer(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Sugar

2 g per serving

D-Ribose

Interacts with
86 drugs
1500 mg 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...

D-Ribose monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Invetek chewable base, Natural Orange flavor, Citrus blend flavor, Citric Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Best Chewable D-Ribose by Doctor's Best Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Best Chewable D-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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Best Chewable D-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.

D-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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Best Chewable D-Ribose, from the product label.

Doctor's Best

See all Doctor's Best products
Name
Doctor's Best, Inc.
City
San Clemente
State
CA
ZipCode
92673
Phone Number
(800) 777-2474
Web Address
www.drbvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Best Chewable D-Ribose by Doctor's Best: Common Questions

Does Best Chewable D-Ribose by Doctor's Best interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Best Chewable D-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?
Best Chewable D-Ribose contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 D-Ribose if I have diabetes or take blood-sugar medication?
Not without checking first. D-Ribose can lower blood sugar on its own and may increase the effect of insulin or antidiabetes pills, raising the risk of low blood sugar. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's safe for you and whether your dose might need adjusting.
What are the most common side effects?
Diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and headache are the most common. Some people report anxiety or lightheadedness, and in studies, lowering the dose has resolved these symptoms.
How long can I safely take D-Ribose?
It's generally well tolerated for short-term use up to about a month. Long-term safety hasn't been well studied, so this isn't a supplement to take indefinitely without guidance from your doctor.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information either way. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Does D-Ribose actually improve athletic performance?
The evidence suggests it's not effective for that. Studies don't support its use to boost exercise performance.

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

Not sure if Best Chewable D-Ribose is safe with your meds?

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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.

Best Chewable D-Ribose label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Best Chewable D-Ribose’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Best Chewable D-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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