John E. Foker, MD, PhD, director of the pediatric cardiac surgery program at the University of Minnesota, recently passed away. As a pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon and researcher, Foker developed a new method for treating esophageal atresia, known as the Foker procedure; novel techniques to repair complex congenital heart defects in infancy; new prosthetic heart valves; and methods of recovery from ischemia.

Part of his ischemia recovery research included early findings on how ribose, a sugar found within the body, could contribute to heart health on a cellular level. The findings led to the establishment of Bioenergy Life Science (BLS) in 1990, and the launch of the supplement ingredient Bioenergy Ribose.

“An extraordinary surgeon-scientist, Dr. Foker possessed an exceptional mind during an era when advancement and innovation were imperative,” said Michael Crabtree, ND, director of scientific affairs at BLS. “By offering measurable biochemical results in energy production and recovery, D-Ribose has since helped steer the industry toward an emphasis on science-backed nutraceuticals.”

Foker graduated from Harvard University and pursued passions such as skiing, football, art, and gardening, and central to his life was his dedication as a family man.

“Dr. Foker’s extraordinary career at the University of Minnesota transformed pediatric surgery and fundamentally reshaped the outcomes for children born with severe congenital anomalies,” said Crabtree. “Known for actively promoting dialogue and debate, he tirelessly advocated for multidisciplinary collaborations, recognizing early the intertwined complexities of cardiac and thoracic conditions, thus setting new standards for integrated patient care.”

“Dr. Foker held patents for groundbreaking innovations demonstrating that perfusion of ischemic tissue with dilute physiological salt solutions containing D-Ribose dramatically reduced the period required for tissue function recovery and restoration of tissue ATP levels,” said Crabtree. “This discovery significantly shortened the period for complete recovery of ATP levels from about ten days to just one or two days, paralleling a swift return of cardiac function.”

“Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Foker exemplified surgical excellence, creativity in medical innovation and an unwavering dedication to his patients,” Crabtree continued. “His legacy is embodied not only in the lives of countless children worldwide whose futures he fundamentally altered but also in the generations of surgeons he inspired and mentored. Likewise, his contributions to D-Ribose research and development have had an enduring impact on the nutraceutical industry. BLS is forever indebted to Dr. Foker’s visionary leadership and commitment to following the transformative power of science. BLS remains committed to our foundation and Dr. Foker’s work, and will continue to advance the nutraceutical industry forward.”