I have found that the energy boost effect is not long lasting but requires the regular dosing. I am losing the boost by the the time the next dose is due.

Most of what you read on the internet says there are no side-effects from taking D-Ribose.

I did find this but it refers to large doses (10g or over):
“The first is a transient hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that can be eliminated by taking larger doses of ribose with other carbohydrates (such as in juice). The second side effect that may occur in some individuals is loose stools. Again, this side effect has only been reported in very large doses, greater than 10 grams.”

It is a simple sugar and so most ‘experts’ say it’s not possible for it to cause side effects.

There are some people who say that the D-Ribose gives your body and your cells the energy they need to function more efficiently and thus fight hidden/chronic/stealth infection in the body. It fuels your mitochondria.

When fighting this/these infection(s) it is possible you may get a Herx reaction.

A Herx reaction would fit with the side effects you describe.

It’s also possible that if the D-Ribose is fuelling your body properly you may be better absorbing other suppliments/nutritional elements that are fighting the infection and thus feeling worse.

Also I found this:

“Ribose may support the body’s innate antioxidant mechanisms while promoting an antioxidant effect of its own.”

From 15 May - Almost Random Research http://mantamedia.spaces.live.com/?_c11_BlogPart_BlogPart=blogview&_c=BlogPart&partqs=amonth%3d5%26ayear%3d2008

Personally I am still undecided about whether I buy into all of this ’stealth infection’ and the idea that you have to feel worse before you can fell better.

So mainly I mention it all of this because I haven’t seen it written down in those terms on my web searches and it may be of interest to you to do some reading on it. I am not an expert - I am just recounting some of what I have encountered myself reading around the web.

I first came across the idea of herx reaction when fighting “stealth” infections in ME/CFS when I was trying large doses of AllicinMax http://www.cfs-allicin.com/

You read a lot about Herx reactions on things like the Marshall protocol.

Some reading on herx reactions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herxheimer_reaction

http://lassesen.com/cfids/herxheimer.htm includes suggestions for treatment

And a mention about “die-off” and Herx reactions when de-toxing:

http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/treatingmeantioxidants.htm

I don’t know if any of this helps! It may be worth discussing the problem with your doctor in case there is some underlying condition which could cause the symptoms when taking this small dose of simple sugar.

I’m no expert. I’m sorry it is having these horrible side effects for you.

http://www.enzy.com/go/EnzymaticTherapy/productDetail.aspx?alias=EnzymaticTherapy&tabalias=productDetail&partcode=03250&sc=True

iherb.com seem to be the cheapest…….but go for the DLS posting option otherwise u end up paying taxes when it arrives in UK.

D

Oh and thanks for the link. I think postage and possibly import taxes would bump these great prices up for us Brits but I’m sure some US folks will find it useful. Great prices indeed!

I am thinking I might have to go back to scrath and re-introduce things s-l-o-w-l-y. But what’s annoying is I haven’t made HUGE changes. Only really dropping a few things from my menu which I have occasionally but not all the time.

I’ve been pretty much wheat free for over 18 months now. It was hard to give up my beloved bread but once I found rice pasta is (in my opinion) better than wheat pasta things got smoother. I have wheat very rarely - and then it tends to be the odd treat (like a biscuit or cake) or when I’m eating out and it’s difficult not to (like lack of choice). I can’t say it has done anything to help CFS although maybe I would be a lot worse if I DID have wheat every day. But I certainly feel a LOT better on my insides for not eating it.

I decided it was silly to avoid wheat some months ago and started back on bread type lunches … and felt really bloated and disgusting pretty quick.

So yes. I might have to stop the new suppliments and focus on one things at a time. You’d think I’d have learnt by now to be a little more patient ;o)

I don’t have IBS specifically, but of course I have other GI problems. I did quit dairy this year and it has helped. I’m thinking about wheat (which you didn’t mention) — it’s a difficult one to subtitute — but not there yet.

You’re not going to like this suggestion, but what about starting again w the supplements one at a time, adding every 2 weeks.

Of course, you’re right — it could be something completely different —aacccccckkk! I’m with you on the frustration, and impressed that you could see yourself thinking “half-empty” and switch to “half-full”.

Moving thru frustration to acceptance is something I still haven’t mastered. I can do it sometimes, but not when things really suck.

Sending you good vibes and a big hug