Pyruvate for Weight Control

Also known as: Pyruvic Acid

What is it?

Pyruvate (the buffered form of pyruvic acid) is a product created in the body during the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein.

Where is it found?

Pyruvate is formed in the body as a by-product of the normal metabolism of carbohydrates and protein and is present in several foods, including red apples, cheese, dark beer, and red wine. Dietary supplements of pyruvate are also available.

Why do dieters use it?*

Some dieters say that pyruvate

helps boost metabolism.
helps them lose inches.
helps improve energy levels.

What do the advocates say?*

Pyruvate appears to promote weight loss by increasing the metabolic rate. There is good research based on human studies showing that pyruvate helps to promote weight loss in overweight people on low-fat diets.

Although pyruvate promotes weight loss, which is good for heart health, it is important to monitor cholesterol levels as it may reduce HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

How much is usually taken by dieters?

Pyruvate, a compound that occurs naturally in the body, might aid weight-loss efforts.¹ A controlled trial found that pyruvate supplements (22 to 44 grams per day) enhanced weight loss and resulted in a greater reduction of body fat in overweight adults consuming a low-fat diet.² Three controlled trials combining 6 to 10 grams per day of pyruvate with an exercise programme reported greater effects on weight loss and body fat than that seen with a placebo plus the exercise programme.³ ⁴ ⁵ Animal studies suggest that pyruvate supplementation leads to weight loss by increasing the resting metabolic rate.⁶

Are there any side effects or interactions?

High intakes of pyruvate can trigger gastrointestinal upset, such as wind, bloating, and diarrhoea. One preliminary study in exercising women found 10 grams per day of pyruvate reduced blood levels of HDL (the “good” cholesterol) after one month.⁷

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with pyruvate.

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Dieters and weight-management advocates may claim benefits for pyruvate based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on pyruvate. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Pyruvate as a nutritional supplement.

References
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1. Stanko RT, Tietze DL, Arch JE. Body composition, energy utilization, and nitrogen metabolism with a 4.25-MJ/d low-energy diet supplemented with pyruvate. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:630–5.

2. Stanko RT, Reynolds HR, Hoyson R, et al. Pyruvate supplementation of a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet: Effects on plasma lipid concentration and body composition in hyperlipidemic patients. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59:423–7.

3. Kalman D, Colker CM, Wilets I, et al. The effects of pyruvate supplementation on body composition in overweight individuals. Nutrition 1999;15:337–40.

4. Kalman D, Colker CM, Stark S, et al. Effect of pyruvate supplementation on body composition and mood. Curr Ther Res 1998;59:793–802.

5. Kreider R, Koh P, Ferreira M, et al. Effects of pyruvate supplementation during training on body composition & metabolic responses to exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998;30:S62 [abstract].

6. Ivy JL, Cortez MY, Chandler RM, et al. Effects of pyruvate on the metabolism and insulin resistance of obese Zucker rats. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59:331–7.

7. Koh P, Kreider R, Ferreira M, et al. Effects of pyruvate supplementation during training on hematologic and metabolic profiles. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1998;30:S155 [abstract].

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.