Ribose is a naturally occurring sugar that is essential for the production of energy in cells. It is a key component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy carrier in living organisms. Ribose plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and is involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. In addition to its biological functions, ribose is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to enhance energy levels and support recovery in athletes. Some studies suggest that ribose supplementation may help improve exercise performance and reduce muscle soreness, although more research is needed to confirm these benefits.