This clear, concise new book by Professor Emeritus Paul Addis discusses the importance of ribose, a naturally occurring sugar produced in the body from glucose. This slowly produced sugar is the structural backbone of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy molecule that powers all the body's cells and is a pivotally important part of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the body's information library known as the genetic code. Ribose has received increased attention recently because research has shown that, although it is essential for literally thousands of functions in all the cells and tissues, it is in short supply in the body. The sudden interest in ribose is also fuelled by the constant stress many people live with now. It depletes the body's stores of ribose and they can't be naturally replaced fast enough to maintain optimal health. The author says that restoring adequate levels of ribose to the body through supplementation is extremely beneficial in treating or preventing chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease. With brain metabolism and neurological disorders, people who have Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease have proven, demonstrably low levels of ATP. Supplementing with ribose has boosted these lowered levels and has even, according to one theory, boosted the energy of brain tissue. Ribose acts to control appetite and weight gain, and helps the body maintain a normal blood-sugar level, which makes it useful in treating diabetes.