|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

What Is Pyruvate Acid?

Pyruvate acid is the end product of sugar and starch metabolism in people, known as glycolysis. The sugar is from glucose or blood sugar. Glucose is used by the brain and body as a fuel source. Pyruvate acid was isolated and studied in a 1991 study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition (53:847, 1991) with rats that showed it can reduce appetite---in rats. No studies have been done with humans regarding appetite reduction. A 1990 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology (6811: 119-24, 1990) did show increase in muscular strength in people: 25 grams of pyruvate acid combined with 75 grams of dihydroxyacetone that was given to men for 7 days showed they had a 20 percent increase in tricep strength.

  1. Identification

    • Pyruvate acid is produced in the body as a result of blood sugar undergoing several steps that result in this byproduct. We also make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is our main energy source for all mental and physical activity. Pyruvate acid has been advertised as a weight loss aid, with its manufacturers claiming it increases metabolism. To date, this claim cannot be supported by any controlled, clinical trials published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

    Significance

    • In one 1992 study done by University of Pittsburgh researcher Dr. Ronald Stanko, women over 200 pounds were given 30 grams of pyruvate and consuming a 1,000 calorie diet for 21 days. Those women who consumed pyurvate had 37 percent more weight loss and 48 percent more fat loss as compared to those women who did not. However, it should be noted that in real terms the difference in weight loss between the two groups was less than 3 pounds. No long-term studies have been done on the safety and efficacy of pyruvate acid. This is significant as those who are trying to lose weight, it might be a better strategy to eat a healthful diet, get regular exercise to receive the weight loss they seek.

    Considerations

    • In the studies with pyruvate on rats, there was one study that allowed the rats access to eat as much food as they desired. Only the rats given pyruvate ate less. Extrapolating this study to apply to people seems simplistic. The study that did show an increase in muscular strength from supplementing with pyurvate remains porous. There are no long-term studies to show the efficacy or safety of pyruvate acid for weight loss or maintenance. The NIH did a review of the 50 most widely advertised nutritional supplements used for weight loss. It concluded that more studies needed to be done before solidifying any claims for permanent weight loss.

    Warning

    • Do not take pyurvate acid or any other nutritional supplement advertised as a weight loss without consulting your doctor first. If you have any chronic diseases or are taking any prescription medications, talk with your doctor first.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Pyruvate acid is naturally produced in the body as a result of glycolysis. This is how the body changes glucose or blood sugar into ATP, the main energy or fuel the body uses. People who want to consume pyurvate acid to lose weight or build muscle mass should see their doctors first. There are no clinical, controlled studies that show the long-term effects of consuming pyurvate acid. To lose weight, see your nutritionist or a doctor. She can help you design a sensible diet and establish a regular exercise program to help you shed extra weight permanently.

Nutrition - Related Articles