D-Ribose

Ribose is a carbohydrate used by your cells for your body's energy production. It plays a critical role in the production of ATP, which provides the energy for short burst of power movements during workout. Supplementing with Ribose can increase your energy levels via increased ATP, and thus enhancing performance, and recovery, which leads to greater gains.
You now know that Ribose provides energy in the form of increased ATP production. A condition called Anoxia effects many athletes from intense exercises. Anoxia is a condition where there is a shortage of oxygen supply to an organ (or muscle) even though there's adequate blood flow. When this happens ATP levels drop, and can take several days to restore energy levels.
Research has shown that intense exercising can reduce ATP levels by over 50%. By supplementing Ribose, you can restore ATP levels quicker. Beyond this effect, Ribose serves to boost ATP levels pre-workout, giving you extra stores of ATP for use during intense workouts. This helps you maximize your workouts for increased muscle and strength gains.
Because Ribose is still relatively new, there's no definitive guide on Ribose dosage. However, most agree that Ribose should be taken in large amounts initially, in the first week - the 'loading phase' - when your body is most responsive. For the loading phase, you should take about 3 grams of Ribose 3 to 4 times a day, saturating your muscles with Ribose. After the first week, begin the maintenance phase taking about 3 to 6 grams a day. In many ways, this is similar to a Creatine cycle.
Similar to creatine, Ribose is a natural ingredient found in our bodies. There are no known side effects of Ribose, yet, and Ribose is believed to be safe. Research has found that over usage of Ribose led to diarrhoea, but this should not happen taking recommended dosages.
D-Ribose can also be used by people with various problems including muscle weakness, the most common of which is ME.