Ribose, Caffeine Combo Fights Fatigue

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.Adding ribose to caffeine may turbo boost caffeine's fatigue-fighting effects, according to a new study from Bioenergy Life Science. Using a standard mice fatigue model, researchers found a 50-50 ratio of Bioenergy Ribose and caffeine proved the most effective in improving mouse endurance.

Leading up to the study, mice swam to the point of exhaustion for three days to deplete energy reserves. During the experiment, the subjects swam in the morning and afternoon three days in a row; the swimming time decreased more than 20 percent compared to baseline in the first two days.

On the fourth day, scientists fed mice either glucose, caffeine, ribose or a 50/50 combination of ribose and caffeine.

In previous studies, the effects of these ingredients were evaluated on people under normal conditions," explained Alex Xue, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief technology officer, Bioenergy Life Science. What made this fatigue model experiment different was that it showed us what happens when you give caffeine and/or ribose to subjects who are already fatigued and have used up their energy reserves. Thats relevant because it is a more real-world example of how these products are used."

Glucose-fed mice's swimming time returned to their baseline average, while caffeine-fed mice swam for less time. However, the ribose group improved the swimming time to 135 percent; the ribose-caffeine combo group jumped to 150 percent of their baseline swim time.

In the second stage, we used different ribose/caffeine concentrations. We determined that the optimal combinationwhen translated into human equivalentsis 10mg/kg caffeine plus 4 grams of ribose. With this combination, we could boost swimming time to 180 percent. Though this is the optimal combination, it should be noted that lower doses of ribose also improve the swimming time, " Xue said. He added, When the caffeine concentration was higher, the effect was negative. This could be because we were providing too much stimulant (caffeine) without base energy (ribose) to fill the order. This makes sense because we know that ribose helps the heart to relax, and a relaxed heart can function more efficiently. Caffeine, on the other hand, can make the heart more exhausted because it causes the heart rate to become quick and shallow."

The company will pursue human clinical studies to further verify the results.

Founded in 1987, Bioenergy Life Sciences supplies L-glutamine, L-arginine, L-theanine and D-ribose. The company recently announced Marianne K. McDonagh hiring as regional sales director. In her new role, McDonagh will expand the company's  market in the western United States.

Previously, McDonagh worked as director of business development for APP Global and director of new business development and operations for ProTab laboratories.

Marianne is well respected for her knowledge and innovative track records. Her ability to develop strong relationships with customer partners will be an asset as the industry begins to develop even more ribose-fortified products," said Bioenergy Life Science President Tom VonderBrink.