D-Ribose Improves Ventilatory Efficiency in Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 20 Mar 2005 - 23:00 PDT

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Ventilatory efficiency is recognized as an important predictor of survival and disease progression among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Thus, improving ventilatory efficiency in this population is of prime importance. A research report presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session 2005 in Orlando, Florida, suggests that D-Ribose can play a significant role in this key pursuit.

It is well accepted that failing hearts are energy starved and lack sufficient energy for normal function. D-Ribose, a naturally occurring monosaccharide, has been shown to play a vital role in cellular energy creation. A team at the University of Utah tested the effects of D-Ribose on the exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency of CHF patients. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover design, the effect of ribose supplementation was tested on 15 CHF patients for eight weeks.

The results show measurable patient improvement. "This study showed a real benefit in ventilatory parameters during cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

A significant improvement was noted in ventilatory efficiency, oxygen uptake efficiency and myocardial performance in class II and III heart failure patients," said Mark A. Munger, Pharm.D., Professor of Pharmacotherapy and Associate Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Utah. "Beyond the previously known benefits of ribose in enhancing myocardial energy levels and improving diastolic function parameters following ischemia, this study demonstrated a benefit in ventilatory efficiency, one of the most powerful predictors of survival in congestive heart failure patients."

Bioenergy Inc., is a privately-held, Minneapolis-based life sciences company whose core technology lies in the development and commercialization of products based on the benefits of D-Ribose. Bioenergy's clear mission is to develop products that increase the quality of its customers' lives through improving the function of their hearts, muscles and other body tissues. Valen Labs, Inc., its subsidiary, markets ribose-based products to the functional food and clinical nutrition markets.

These products include Bioenergy RIBOSE, an ingredient in the sports nutrition and active lifestyle markets; CORvalen, a clinical nutrition product giving metabolic support to heart patients; and CORvalenM, a dietary supplement that helps relieve myalgia, muscle soreness, cramping and fatigue.

Valen Labs, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bioenergy Inc.