Ribose improves the relaxation of the heart that allows it to fill properly with blood. Thus ribose improves diastolic heart function. It is vital in the formation of nucleotides, compounds needed by the heart and skeletal muscles, as well as other body cells. Nucleotides are required for the body to produce energy for muscle cells; manufacture protein, glycogen and nucleic acids (RNA and DNA); form the cyclic nucleotides responsible for controlling calcium and other electrolytes; and relax the heart and muscle cells.