Effects of ribose supplementation on selected metabolic measurements and performance in maximally exercising Thoroughbreds.

The research study evaluated how ribose supplementation affects the metabolic and performance metrics of high-performing Thoroughbred geldings compared to a control group given glucose. The study found no significant effect of ribose on blood ammonia-N, lactic acid, glucose, oxygen usage, heart rate, or overall performance.

Study Methodology

• The researchers used eight Thoroughbred geldings, which were randomly assigned to either a glucose or a ribose group. The respective supplements were added to the horses’ feed twice daily.
• Each supplement amount was proportional to the horse’s body weight, with the dose being 0.15 g per kg.
• After two weeks of this regimen, each group of horses performed a standardized exercise test (SET), which served as a measure of maximum performance.
• The team then took blood samples before exercise, every minute during the SET, and 15 and 30 minutes post-exercise. During this process, they monitored markers including blood ammonia-N, plasma lactic acid, and plasma glucose, along with heart rate and oxygen consumption.
• After a 10-day washout period, where no ribose or glucose was given, the horses were switched to the other treatment group. The two weeks of supplementation and performance testing were then repeated.

Key Study Findings

• Across both trials, blood ammonia-N and plasma lactic acid levels rose the longer the SET lasted, peaking 15 minutes post-exercise.
• Peak plasma glucose occurred 15 minutes after the exercise, along with the highest heart rate and oxygen consumption during the most intense part of the SET.
• Despite these physiological responses, ribose supplementation did not enhance performance compared to glucose supplementation. Results between the two groups were similar across all metrics.
• Consequently, the study’s original hypothesis – that ribose supplementation would reduce certain metabolic waste products and improve performance – was not supported by the collected data.

Conclusions from the Study

• The core finding of the study is that supplementing Thoroughbred geldings’ diet with 0.15 g ribose/kg body weight twice daily for 2 weeks does not influence measured markers or performance during SET or the initial 30 minutes of recovery.
• Thus, according to this study, ribose does not provide performance advantages over glucose for high-performing horses. It neither alleviates exercise-induced metabolic byproducts, nor does it enhance the performance metrics evaluated.
• The research emphasizes the need to continue exploring the effects and potential benefits of various dietary supplements on performance animals, as the potential gains might be significant. However, it also underscores the necessity to base these choices on scientific evidence and not just potential benefits.