Rebecca Wright06.01.10
Bioenergy, Inc., is an integrated biotechnology company based in Minneapolis, MN, which was founded by a pediatric cardiac surgeon, Dr. John Foker, who spent many years studying D-ribose’s effect on improving heart function. This pursuit led him to secure several patents for nutraceutical applications revolving around heart and skeletal muscle.
Being the focus of more than 100 clinical studies, the company’s star ingredient has branched out to many markets since the company launched more than a decade ago. “Research sponsored by Bioenergy has shown that both heart and skeletal muscle benefit greatly from supplemental D-ribose taken in relatively small amounts,” said Kathy Lund, vice president of sales and marketing, Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. “Because D-ribose’s role in energy production is unique and because supplemental D-ribose is so beneficial, the company decided to enter the nutraceuticals market.”
Indeed, D-ribose has many benefits that make it suitable for a variety of consumer groups, from those who have heart issues, to athletes and aging Baby Boomers. According to the company, “D-ribose is the most fundamental energy source the body can have. Unless our hearts have an adequate supply of D-ribose, they cannot satisfy their astonishing energy demand.”
Put simply, D-ribose is the starting point for the synthesis of many fundamental cellular compounds, the most important of which is ATP, the essential energy compound found in every cell in the body. The need for extra D-ribose comes in when the body is under stress and needs a greater supply due to the loss of energy from the cells. In this way, Bioenergy Ribose helps many people not only live a healthier life, but also one that is more active and energetic. “Patients afflicted with compromised heart function find that D-ribose allows them to do more and enjoy a higher quality of life,” the company says. “For healthy people, D-ribose can also provide needed energy, reflected in less fatigue, greater exercise performance over time, and faster energy recovery following exercise.”
D-ribose amplifies the body’s natural response to metabolic stress, helping to regenerate energy when tissues are strained. And although Bioenergy Ribose is a five-carbon monosaccharide, it does not raise blood sugar, making it a good carbohydrate to use in food and beverage formulation.
Today the company stands behind its branded offerings, which straddle the medical food and dietary supplement markets. These include: Bioenergy Ribose; Corvalen medical food and dietary supplement; CorvalenM medical food and dietary supplement; and Corvalen chewable tablets medical food and dietary supplement.
As for functional foods, the company moved on to this market in 2008 once it received a “no objection” letter from FDA regarding the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status of Bioenergy Ribose, paving the way for the ingredient’s inclusion in a variety of mainstream foods and beverages.
To further these efforts, the company opened a new formulation center in March to help its customers identify growth market opportunities for products containing D-ribose. The center features a dedicated team offering information to manufacturers interested in adding Bioenergy Ribose into existing products or investigating its potential for new products. Several pilot scale prototypes have already been developed, including chocolates, oatmeal, cereals and bars. From these prototypes and other products that have been developed, the Bioenergy team has a database of knowledge of how Bioenergy Ribose performs in a number of manufacturing processes.
For the future, Ms. Lund envisions expanded uses for Bioenergy Ribose. “Bioenergy Life Science will continue to conduct relevant research on Bioenergy Ribose. And as new markets develop, the company will investigate whether ribose can play a positive role in addressing those conditions.”
She also forecasts bright days ahead for the nutraceuticals market. “In the wake of increasing healthcare expenses, individuals are looking to nutraceuticals as a means of managing their health,” she said. “The prospects for the industry look quite promising as this trend becomes more mainstream.”—R.W.
Bioenergy Life Science, Inc.
13840 Johnson St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55304
Telephone: 877-RIBOSE
Fax: 763-757-0588
E-mail: ribose@bioenergy.com
Website: www.bioenergyribose.com