D-ribose, a monosaccharide also known as pentose, plays a crucial role in the energy metabolism of all cells in the body. It is essential for building genetic material and regenerating ATP, the molecule responsible for energy supply.

This fundamental sugar is integrated into the nucleotide composition of RNA, a transcript of DNA, and is produced directly in cells via the pentose phosphate pathway. As a component of RNA, ribose is involved in gene transcription and is closely related to deoxyribose, a key element of DNA.

Ribose is not supplied by food, but is synthesized by the body within cells. Therefore, there are no specific nutritional recommendations or risks associated with ribose deficiency or excess.