Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a nucleic acid that plays a central role in the function and health of every living cell. Like a microscopic battery, ATP supplies the energy that keeps muscles contracting, nerves firing and the heart beating.
But, although the body is designed to replenish ATP naturally, its levels can drop for many reasons. What harms ATP and what helps it?
“As we age, or if we suffer from various diseases or metabolic deficiencies, the cellular mechanics of ATP turnover can be disrupted,” explains Bioenergy (BLS) Director of Scientific Affairs Michael Crabtree. BLS is best known for Bioenergy Ribose, a building block of ATP.
Helping the body to maintain adequate ATP levels may be necessary, even among healthy populations such as athletes. “Most body tissues cannot make enough ribose to quickly restore energy levels once they have been depleted. This delay slows cell and tissue energy recovery,” Crabtree says.
“For example, studies have shown that it can take more than 3 days for depleted skeletal muscle energy levels to return to normal following strenuous exercise. In these situations, supplements that promote ATP turnover can be impactful.”
Fructose, a commonly consumed food ingredient, may also lower ATP levels
In addition to age, exercise and illness, diet may also trigger a reduction in ATP production. Fructose, a commonly used sugar in many food products, slows ATP production by blocking critical processes. The consequences may include increased hunger and fat storage plus higher blood sugar levels.
A scientific review published by the Royal Society of London’s “Philosophical Transactions” confirmed: “Unlike other nutrients, fructose reduces the active energy (adenosine triphosphate) in the cell, while blocking its regeneration from fat stores.”
Crabtree elaborates: “Fructose flips a survival switch in our bodies. It turns off a key enzyme, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which is crucial for energy balance and metabolism.”
He adds: “AMPK is what’s called a precursor to the ATP production process. If AMPK is not functioning properly, cells won’t know they’re under stress and need more energy. The body won’t make more mitochondria, ATP levels may drop … and so will energy.”
A simple change with a big impact
Crabtree asserts: “By incorporating Bioenergy Ribose into our diets, especially in foods that contain fructose, we can take a simple yet effective step towards better health.”
D-ribose is made naturally when the body converts the simple sugar, glucose, into ribose. Once formed, ribose can be used to drive energy metabolism pathways.
Formulating with Bioenergy Ribose may be a simple solution to mitigating the harmful effects of fructose on ATP production. “In addition to being clinically proven to increase ATP levels, preliminary research shows that Bioenergy Ribose effectively activates AMPK,” says Crabtree.
“By formulating with Bioenergy Ribose in foods, beverages and dietary supplements that contain fructose, we can potentially neutralise the harmful effects of fructose. This would support metabolic health by helping to maintain a healthy weight, manage blood sugar levels and improve overall energy levels.”
He reassures all formulators that “BLS has been involved in dozens of published human clinical trials spanning more than 30 years. These double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, conducted on individuals representing a variety of ages and fitness levels, have demonstrated Bioenergy Ribose’s ability to increase ATP levels.”
To help counteract fructose’s negative effects on our health, Crabtree suggests embracing this natural solution. “Adding Bioenergy Ribose to our diets promotes a healthier approach to food consumption,” he concludes.
The Bioenergy Ribose patented product family can be used in functional foods and beverages. In addition to the original Bioenergy Ribose, BLS now offers RiboActiv, a precision hormetic dose of Bioenergy Ribose shown to activate AMPK among other benefits, and SweetR, a new multifunctional, all-natural, low calorie sweetener complex.