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Dietary supplement

D-Ribose Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Designs for Health

D-Ribose label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Fiber And Other Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking D-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

D-Ribose is a dietary supplement by Designs for Health 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.

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Check Your Meds Against D-Ribose by Designs for Health

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of D-Ribose by Designs for Health

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 23, 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 liquid contains one active ingredient: D-Ribose, a five-carbon sugar your body makes naturally and uses in cells to produce energy. It's marketed for athletic performance, muscle recovery, and heart health, though the evidence supporting those claims is limited or inconclusive.

The product contains no other inactive ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Ribose product and its label doesn't state a use — see Ribose's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for D-Ribose is mixed and often limited. For athletic performance and McArdle disease, it's rated possibly ineffective.

For restless legs syndrome, muscle soreness, congestive heart failure, and recovery after heart bypass surgery, the reliable evidence isn't established in the data we hold — meaning we don't yet know if it works for those uses. If you're considering it for a specific condition, talk it over with your doctor to see whether the current evidence supports a trial.

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 in the short term — up to about a month — but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. The most common side effects are diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, nausea, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Some people report anxiety, lightheadedness, or increased appetite, though lowering the dose has resolved these in some cases. Because there isn't enough safety information available, D-Ribose is best avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're considering it during either time.

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.

Moderate-severity interactions are documented with insulin and antidiabetes drugs — both can raise the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when combined with D-Ribose. Check your exact medications with the search tool on this page, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you begin.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

D-Ribose is a single-ingredient supplement that's generally well tolerated short-term but can lower blood sugar and may cause digestive upset or headache. If you take insulin or any blood-sugar medication, check your specific drugs with the tool on this page before starting, and confirm the plan with your doctor or pharmacist.

For other uses, the evidence is either limited or not yet established.

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 Jun 25, 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 D-Ribose, straight from the product label.

Brand Designs for Health
Barcode (UPC) 879452000896
Net contents 150 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2013
DSLD ID 22799
Product type Fiber And Other Nutrients
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 D-Ribose by Designs for Health, 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
30
UPC/BARCODE
879452000896
IngredientAmount% DV
D-Ribose5 Gram(s)--

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 Statements

Notice: This is a natural product that may exhibit color, taste and density variations from lot to lot.

For Professional Use Only

Manufactured in an NSF GMP Registered Facility

Formulation

Does not contain gluten.

General

RIB150-1

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: As a dietary supplement, take 5 grams (approx. one heaping teaspoon) per day, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Seals/Symbols

Guaranteed GMP COMPLIANT Products

Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.

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

See for yourself

D-Ribose by Designs for Health label

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

D-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 D-Ribose by Designs for Health

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

Serving size5 Gram(s) Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

D-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...

D-Ribose monograph & interactions
Interaction report

D-Ribose by Designs for Health Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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

D-Ribose 86

Individual Drug Interactions

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

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in 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
D-Ribose full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Designs for Health

See all Designs for Health products
Name
Designs for Health, Inc.
Street Address
980 South Street
City
Suffield
State
CT
ZipCode
06078
Web Address
www.designsforhealth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

D-Ribose by Designs for Health: Common Questions

Does D-Ribose by Designs for Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 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?
D-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 D-Ribose if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information available, so it's best avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in either situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, nausea, and low blood sugar are the most common. Some people report anxiety, lightheadedness, or increased appetite. Lowering the dose has resolved nausea and anxiety in some cases.
How long is it safe to take D-Ribose?
It's generally well tolerated for up to about one month, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking about longer use, talk with your doctor.
Does D-Ribose actually help athletic performance?
It's rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance based on the evidence we hold, so the case for it in that setting is weak.
What is D-Ribose and what does it do in the body?
D-Ribose is a five-carbon sugar your body produces naturally. It plays a role in how your cells generate energy. It's also marketed for muscle recovery and heart health, though evidence for those uses is limited or still being studied.

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

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

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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.

D-Ribose label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind D-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

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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