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Dietary supplement

Ribose Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

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

Ribose Powder is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe 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 Ribose Powder by The Vitamin Shoppe

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 a single active ingredient: D-Ribose, a simple sugar your body naturally uses for energy production in cells. There are no other active ingredients; no inactive fillers or binders are 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: energy production and cardiovascular health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Heart failure, Fibromyalgia, Muscle soreness — and 2 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 ribose is mixed and limited. It's rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance and for McArdle disease.

For restless legs syndrome, heart failure, muscle soreness, and recovery after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to rate whether it works. The data we hold doesn't support a clear benefit for any of these uses at this time.

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 over short periods — up to about a month in studies — but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. The main concern is that it can lower your blood sugar.

Common side effects when taken orally include diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, nausea, and low blood sugar; some people have also reported anxiety, lightheadedness, and increased appetite. Lowering your dose may resolve nausea or anxiety if those occur.

There isn't enough safety data to use ribose during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

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.

If you take insulin or any antidiabetes drug, double-check those medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product — both drug categories carry a Moderate risk of low blood sugar when combined with ribose.

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.

Ribose is a single-ingredient supplement that's generally well tolerated short-term but carries a meaningful risk of lowering blood sugar, especially if you're on insulin or diabetes medications. If you take either of those drug types, you'll want to check your specific medications and discuss ribose with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Long-term safety data is limited, and its effectiveness for most claimed uses hasn't been proven.

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 Nov 21, 2018.

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 Powder, straight from the product label.

Brand The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536026357
Net contents 7.05 oz.; 200 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2018
DSLD ID 183333
Product type Fiber And Other Nutrients
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Powder by The Vitamin Shoppe, 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:
5.63 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
5.63 Gram(s)
Servings per container
35
UPC/BARCODE
766536026357
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories25 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates6 Gram(s)2%
D-Ribose5.63 Gram(s)--
Added Sugars0 Gram(s)--
Total Sugars6 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: 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.
General Statements

Specialty

Energy production Cardiovascular

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Gluten free Dairy free Soy free Nut free

Does not contain: Gluten, salt, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Mix one (1) scoop in water, juice or other beverage once daily with or without food.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical conditions.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper Evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

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 in a cool, dry place.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Bioenergy Ribose is a registered trademark of Bioenergy Life Sciences, Inc.

General

Item No. VS-2635 1750421 FS 37

See for yourself

Ribose Powder by The Vitamin Shoppe label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Ribose Powder by The Vitamin Shoppe

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

Serving size5.63 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container35 Amounts shown are per serving.

D-Ribose

Interacts with
86 drugs
5.63 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: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Ribose Powder by The Vitamin Shoppe Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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 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.

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 Ribose Powder, from the product label.

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ribose Powder by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Ribose Powder by The Vitamin Shoppe interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 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?
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 this if I'm on insulin?
Not without checking first with your doctor or pharmacist. Ribose may increase insulin's blood-sugar-lowering effect and raise your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your prescriber needs to review your insulin dose and whether ribose is safe for you.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common are diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and headache. Some people have also reported low blood sugar, anxiety, lightheadedness, and increased appetite. Lowering your dose may help if nausea or anxiety occurs.
Is ribose proven to help with athletic performance?
No — it's rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance in the evidence we hold. If that's why you're considering it, the research doesn't support that use.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using ribose during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — they can help you decide if it's right for you.
How long is it safe to take ribose?
Studies show it's generally well tolerated for up to about a month. Long-term safety beyond that hasn't been well studied, so we don't have solid data on extended use.
What is D-Ribose and what does it do?
D-Ribose is a simple sugar your body naturally makes and uses for energy production inside your cells. This product is a concentrated form of that sugar.

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

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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.

Ribose Powder label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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

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