Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

D-Ribose Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Powder Category: Fiber And Other Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

D-Ribose Powder is a dietary supplement by Life Extension 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 Bioenergy Ribose. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of D-Ribose Powder by Life Extension

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: Bioenergy Ribose, a simple sugar your cells use to produce energy. There are no inactive ingredients listed.

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: support cardiovascular health and energy levels.
  • We looked for evidence on: Congestive heart failure (CHF), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, Athletic performance, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia — 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 evidence for D-Ribose is limited. It's rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance and McArdle disease.

For restless legs syndrome, muscle soreness, heart failure, and recovery after heart surgery, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to know whether it works.

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 the short term — up to about a month in studies. The most common side effects when taken by mouth are diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, nausea, and low blood sugar.

A small number of people have reported headache, anxiety, lightheadedness, or increased appetite; lowering the dose resolved these in some cases. Long-term safety hasn't been well studied.

Because there isn't enough safety data, the facts advise against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized guidance.

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 insulin doses and antidiabetes medications before taking this product — ribose can increase their blood-sugar-lowering effect and raise the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Monitor your glucose closely if you combine them, or have your doctor adjust your doses.

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 might interest someone looking to support cellular energy, but the evidence for most uses is thin or absent. If you take insulin or antidiabetes medication, you'll need to watch your blood sugar carefully or adjust doses with your doctor.

Talk with your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have diabetes.

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, 2025.

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 Powder, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870972150
Net contents 150 Gram(s); 0.33 Pound(s); 5.29 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2025
DSLD ID 328437
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), 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 Powder by Life Extension, 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:
5000 mg
Maximum serving Sizes:
5000 mg
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
737870972150
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories20 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates5 Gram(s)2%
Total Sugars5 Gram(s)--
Bioenergy Ribose5000 mg--

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

Scan for product info

Precautions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one (1) level scoop once or twice daily with food to support cardiovascular health and energy levels in working muscles, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. For alternative dosing, take one (1) scoop before and after exercise. D-Ribose has a natural mildly sweet taste and can be mixed with liquid or into hot or cold food. D-Ribose can be used as a sweetener. Continued use is necessary to maintain the benefits of D-Ribose powder.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Bioenergy RIBOSE is the property of Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. All rights reserved.

Formulation

Guten free Non GMO LE Certified

Helps maintain healthy energy levels in heart & muscle

Vegetarian

Density may vary from lot to lot.

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO LE Certified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

D-Ribose Powder by Life Extension label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in D-Ribose Powder by Life Extension

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

Serving size5000 mg Dosage formPowder Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Bioenergy Ribose

Interacts with
86 drugs
5000 mg per serving Form: D-Ribose

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...

Bioenergy Ribose monograph & interactions
Interaction report

D-Ribose Powder by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against D-Ribose Powder?

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 D-Ribose Powder 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.

Bioenergy 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 D-Ribose Powder, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

D-Ribose Powder by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does D-Ribose Powder by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, D-Ribose Powder 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 Powder 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 have type 2 diabetes or take insulin?
Not without talking to your doctor first. Ribose can lower blood sugar, so it may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when combined with insulin or diabetes medications. Your doctor may need to adjust your doses or monitor your glucose more closely.
What are the most common side effects?
When taken by mouth, the most common are diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, nausea, and low blood sugar. A few people have reported anxiety or lightheadedness — lowering the dose has resolved these in some cases.
Is it safe to take D-Ribose long-term?
Short-term use — up to about a month — is generally well tolerated. Long-term safety hasn't been well studied, so we don't know what happens with extended use.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information, so the facts advise against it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether it's right for you.
Does D-Ribose really improve athletic performance?
The evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective for athletic performance, so we don't have solid proof that it works for that purpose.

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

Not sure if D-Ribose Powder 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.

D-Ribose Powder label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind D-Ribose Powder’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

D-Ribose Powder'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

Keep exploring