Pyruvate for Sports & Fitness

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 a few foods, including red apples, cheese, dark beer, and red wine. Dietary supplements of pyruvate are also available.

Why do athletes use it?*

Some athletes say that pyruvate

helps boost metabolism.
helps them lose body fat.
helps increase endurance.

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 athletes?

Three controlled studies of untrained individuals using a combination of 6 to 10 grams per day of pyruvate and an exercise programme reported greater effects on weight loss and body fat compared with those taking a placebo with the exercise programme.¹ ² ³ However, controlled studies of the effects of pyruvate supplementation on exercise performance have tested only trained athletes, and these athletes did not experience improvements from pyruvate supplementation. Seven grams per day did not improve aerobic exercise performance in cyclists,⁴ and an average of 15 grams per day did not improve anaerobic performance or body composition in football players.⁵

Are there any side effects or interactions?

High intakes of pyruvate can trigger gastro-intestinal 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.⁶

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.

*Athletes and fitness 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

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

2. 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].

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

4. Morrison MA, Spriet LL, Dyck DJ. Pyruvate ingestion for 7 days does not improve aerobic performance in well-trained individuals. J Appl Physiol 2000;89:549–56.

5. Stone MH, Sanborn K, Smith LL, et al. Effects of in-season (5 weeks) creatine and pyruvate supplementation on anaerobic performance and body composition in American football players. Int J Sport Nutr 1999;9:146–65.

6. 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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Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.

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 September 2008.

2007-09-01

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