Does Pyruvate Work for Weight Loss?
Pyruvate (available as either sodium pyruvate or calcium pyruvate), is a “gateway” compound in a process called the “Krebs” cycle. The “Krebs” cycle is the intercellular process in which glucose (sugar derived from carbohydrates), is converted into energy. This energy takes the form of a chemical called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Since pyruvate is a critical element of this cycle, supplementing with pyruvate, it was surmised, might stimulate “cellular respiration” (the speed of activity in the cell). This may indirectly contribute to weight loss. Best of all, there is some clinical data to back up pyruvate’s fat-blasting abilities. Several studies suggest that pyruvate, when used in combination with a low calorie diet, increases weight loss (see Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56(4):630-5, Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59(2):423-7). While positive, keep in mind that both of these were relatively small studies.
