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Dietary supplement

Corvalen Ribose Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Douglas Laboratories

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Corvalen Ribose is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories 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 D-Ribose. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Corvalen Ribose by Douglas Laboratories

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.

Corvalen Ribose contains one active ingredient: D-ribose, a simple sugar that your body uses to make and repair cell energy. The tablet also includes inactive ingredients — xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, silica, natural flavors (orange and vanilla), vegetable stearate, citric acid, mannitol, stearic acid, and carnauba wax — that serve as fillers, binders, and flavoring.

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: energy and fatigue support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Athletic performance, Muscle soreness, chronic fatigue, energy metabolism — and 1 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 Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Muscle soreness.

The evidence for ribose is mixed and limited. For athletic performance and McArdle disease, the data suggests it's possibly ineffective.

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 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.

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.

Common side effects taken by mouth include diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, nausea, and low blood sugar — some of these improved when people took a lower dose in studies. A few people have reported anxiety, lightheadedness, and increased appetite.

The safety data advises against ribose during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is appropriate for you if you're pregnant or nursing.

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 taking Corvalen Ribose, double-check it with your doctor or pharmacist if you take insulin or any antidiabetes drugs (like metformin). Both carry a moderate risk of increased low blood sugar when combined with ribose.

No other major medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check, but that doesn't mean none exist — your pharmacist can search your exact medications against ribose using the tool on this page.

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.

Corvalen Ribose is a single-ingredient product whose long-term benefits remain unclear for most conditions. The main safety red flag is its effect on blood sugar — if you take insulin or blood-sugar-lowering medications, this product requires a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? The safety data isn't there yet, so check with your healthcare provider.

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 Apr 22, 2021.

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 Corvalen Ribose, straight from the product label.

Brand Douglas Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 310539979051
Net contents 90 Chewable Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2021
DSLD ID 244761
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Corvalen Ribose by Douglas Laboratories, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Chewable Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
310539979051
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories10 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates2 Gram(s)1%
D-Ribose1.67 Gram(s)--
Total Sugars1.67 Gram(s)--
Sugar Alcohol0.5 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Xylitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Silica, natural Orange flavor, Vegetable Stearate, Citric Acid, Mannitol, Stearic Acid, Carnauba wax, natural Vanilla flavor

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 Usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 chewable tablet, 1-3 times daily, or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, have any health condition or taking any medication, consult your health professional before using this product.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Protected by U.S. patents 6,159,942; 6,534,480; 6,218,366; 6,339,716; 6,703,370 and other U.S. and foreign patents issued and pending.

2008 Bioenergy, Inc.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Gluten-free, Non-GMO

Cellular energy

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General Statements

Scan to learn about our manufacturing excellence Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Corvalen Ribose by Douglas Laboratories label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Corvalen Ribose by Douglas Laboratories

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

Serving size1 Chewable Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

D-Ribose

Interacts with
86 drugs
1.67 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...

D-Ribose monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Xylitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Silica, Natural Orange flavor, Vegetable Stearate, Citric Acid, Mannitol, Stearic Acid, Carnauba wax, Natural Vanilla flavor. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Corvalen Ribose by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Corvalen 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 Corvalen 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 Corvalen Ribose, from the product label.

Douglas Laboratories

See all Douglas Laboratories products
Name
Douglas Laboratories
Street Address
600 Boyce Road
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15205
Phone Number
1.800.245.4440
Web Address
www.douglaslabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Corvalen Ribose by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Corvalen Ribose by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Corvalen 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?
Corvalen 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.
Does ribose actually boost athletic performance?
The evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective for athletic performance, so the data we have doesn't support that claim.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
Diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and nausea are the most common side effects when taken by mouth. Some people also reported low blood sugar, anxiety, lightheadedness, or increased appetite. Lowering the dose resolved nausea and anxiety in some studies.
Is it safe to take ribose long-term?
Short-term use (up to about a month) is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied — that's something to discuss with your doctor if you're thinking of using it beyond that window.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough safety information, so the data advises against it during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for your situation.
Can I take this if I'm breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information, so the data advises against it while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Why do I need to be careful if I take blood-sugar medication?
Ribose lowers blood sugar levels on its own, and when combined with insulin or antidiabetes drugs, it could increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) — which is why your doctor or pharmacist should review it with your specific medications before you start.

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

Not sure if Corvalen 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.

Corvalen Ribose label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Corvalen 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

Corvalen 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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