Effect of D-ribose supplementation on delayed onset muscle soreness induced by plyometric exercise in college students 

In a randomized placebo-controlled trial from 2020, 21 healthy male college students were subjected to several plyometric exercises to induce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Students were then randomized to 15 g of D-ribose or placebo. After a two week washout period, the exercise session was repeated and treatment was given again one hour pre-exercise, 24 hours post-exercise and 48 hours post-exercise.  After this second exercise session, those in the D-ribose group had significantly lower muscle soreness 24 hours and 48 hours post-exercise. The D-ribose group also had lower levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, myoglobin and malondialdehyde 24 hours post-exercise indicating better muscle recovery. 

References:

Cao W, Qiu J, Cai T, et al. (2020). Effect of D-ribose supplementation on delayed onset muscle soreness induced by plyometric exercise in college students. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 17(1): 42