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What is Pyruvate?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Pyruvate is a derivative of pyruvate acid and plays a role in glycolysis, or sugar metabolism. While the human body naturally synthesizes this compound from glucose, it also occurs naturally in red wine, dark beer, red apples and other foods. Pyruvate is also available as a dietary supplement. It is reputed to reduce cholesterol, improve endurance and performance during aerobic exercise, and to promote weight loss. In fact, it is well known to bodybuilders, athletes, and others involved the sports nutrition industry.

The energy-producing benefit of this nutrient occurs through a mechanism called the Krebs cycle. First, it is converted into acetyl-coenzyme A, an event that triggers a series of biochemical reactions that begins with the oxidation of glucose components into carbon dioxide during cellular respiration and results in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is used to fuel cells. This process is also known as the citric acid cycle, or the tricarboxylic acid cycle.

Calcium pyruvate supplements.
Calcium pyruvate supplements.

Although the process by which pyruvate increases energy in the body seems clear, scientific evidence to support claims that supplementation with this nutrient enhances athletic endurance and performance is inconclusive and, in some cases, contradictory. Several early trials with athletes showed that endurance and performance was enhanced, especially when this nutrient was combined with creatine. Yet, a 2005 study involving 23 previously untrained women that were introduced to a supervised exercise program showed that supplementation in the form of calcium pyruvate had no impact on performance or body composition during training.

Red apples naturally contain pyruvate.
Red apples naturally contain pyruvate.

Early studies conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the late 1990s suggest that this compound may be helpful in promoting and maintaining weight loss. For example, one study showed that pyruvate supplementation inhibited the regain of weight and body fat in obese women that were re-introduced to a high calorie diet after previously undergoing a weight loss program. In addition, the supplement permitted weight loss while without sacrificing protein reserves and muscle mass. It should be noted, however, that the supplement used in this study was a combination of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

Pyruvate is used by athletes to improve endurance.
Pyruvate is used by athletes to improve endurance.

Clearly, more research is needed to substantiate some of the health claims made about this nutrient. From the studies that have been carried out so far, it also appears that better results are seen when this compound is taken with either DHA or creatine. In addition, a standardized dosage has not yet been established. It is known, however, that excessive dosages may cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

rosequartz

SarahG - Calcium pyruvate did reduce my cholesterol too, and improved my aerobic endurance but did not do anything obvious for my energy levels or muscle mass.

In fact, after losing 25 pounds I've noticed a pretty big change in my muscle mass. It may be due to my age (I'm no spring chicken) and might just mean I've got to ramp up the workouts with weights in order to get that leaner, meaner body back.

I'm not really sure about taking Creatine or DHA with this supplement. What will that do to the pyruvate oxidation process — just increase endurance?

SarahG

I used pyruvate supplements when I was on a doctor-supervised weight loss program. I took calcium pyruvate daily for five months, along with a multi vitamin and other supplements such as omega 3 fish oil and additional calcium.

I just got my blood test results back and found that my high cholesterol numbers are back to where they should be! I'm so excited.

I did not notice any gastrointestinal irritation whatsoever while using this supplement. I also did not notice any change in my energy levels and did not increase my light-to-moderate workout levels - but I sure lost the weight by changing up the diet and using the pyruvate.

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    • Calcium pyruvate supplements.
      By: tln
      Calcium pyruvate supplements.
    • Red apples naturally contain pyruvate.
      By: denphumi
      Red apples naturally contain pyruvate.
    • Pyruvate is used by athletes to improve endurance.
      By: corepics
      Pyruvate is used by athletes to improve endurance.
    • Pyruvate may aid in weight loss.
      By: jedi-master
      Pyruvate may aid in weight loss.
    • Pyruvate is a naturally occurring component of red wine.
      By: daviles
      Pyruvate is a naturally occurring component of red wine.
    • Pryuvate can help lower cholesterol levels.
      By: rob3000
      Pryuvate can help lower cholesterol levels.