ᴅ‑Ribose is a natural 5‑carbon sugar found in all living cells. The body naturally produces ᴅ‑ribose, which begins the metabolic process for cellular energy production or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The production of ATP, either through the synthesis of new energy or via the salvage pathway of energy preservation, is rate-limited by the availability of ᴅ‑ribose. Therefore, the pathways that restore cellular energy do not function if the body does not have a sufficient supply of ᴅ‑ribose. During times of increased metabolic demand, ᴅ‑ribose supplementation can support the increased metabolic demands, reduce exercise recovery time, as well as support and improve cardiac function.