Pyruvate

Related Terms

2-Chloroethylpyruvate, 2-oxopropanoate, 2-oxypropanoic acid, acetylformate, acetylformic acid, alpha-keto acid, alpha-ketocarboxylic acid, alpha-ketopropionate, alpha-ketopropionic acid, calcium pyruvate, calcium pyruvate monohydrate, creatine pyruvate, Diet PyruvateT, ethyl pyruvate, magnesium pyruvate, methyl pyruvate, o-ethoxybenzylhydrazone of diethanolamine pyruvate, organic acid, potassium pyruvate, proacemic acid, pyr, pyroracemate, pyroracemic acid, PyruvateT 1000, pyruvate anion, Pyruvate BurnT, pyruvate ester, pyruvate eyedrops, Pyruvate FuelT, pyruvic acid, ringer's ethyl pyruvate, sodium pyruvate.

Background

Pyruvate is a three-carbon organic acid (alpha-ketocarboxylic acid) that is formed in the body during glycolysis, a metabolic process that converts glucose to pyruvate.
Pyruvate supplementation is commonly used for weight and fat loss. In general, the marketing of pyruvate for these purposes is based on studies using a combination of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone. While several clinical trials do support the use of pyruvate for this purpose, results are mixed overall. Although pyruvate is commonly used for exercise performance improvement, this use is not supported by scientific evidence.
There is inconclusive evidence regarding the use of pyruvate for alcoholic liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, and hyperkeratotic skin conditions. Further research is also needed to assess the effects of pyruvate in combination with cardioplegic solution for protecting heart muscle during surgery.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for alcoholic liver disease is inconclusive. Further research is needed.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for alcoholic liver disease is inconclusive. Further research is needed.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are inconclusive. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are inconclusive. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for congestive heart failure are inconclusive. Further research is needed.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for congestive heart failure are inconclusive. Further research is needed.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that the addition of pyruvate to cardioplegic solution may enhance the protection of heart muscle during heart surgery. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that the addition of pyruvate to cardioplegic solution may enhance the protection of heart muscle during heart surgery. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for high cholesterol are inconclusive. Further research is needed.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for high cholesterol are inconclusive. Further research is needed.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for reducing body fat mass are mixed. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for reducing body fat mass are mixed. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for hyperkeratotic skin conditions are inconclusive. Further research is needed.

 C


Research results regarding the use of pyruvate for hyperkeratotic skin conditions are inconclusive. Further research is needed.

 C


The evidence does not support the use of pyruvate for exercise performance enhancement.

 D


The evidence does not support the use of pyruvate for exercise performance enhancement.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Pyruvate is supplied as sodium pyruvate or calcium pyruvate in capsules, powder, and tablets. According to some sources, 2-5 grams of oral pyruvate daily may offer the most benefit.
For alcoholic liver disease, sodium pyruvate has been infused for 10 days (54-86.4 grams of pyruvate daily, 150-180 milligrams per minute, over 6-8 hours) and for 15 days (50-54 grams daily, 100 milligrams per minute, over six hours).
For chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sodium pyruvate (0.5 millimolar) has been inhaled three times daily for six weeks.
For congestive heart failure, intracoronary pyruvate has been injected or infused (300 millimolars at 90 milliliters per hour for 10 minutes and then 180 milliliters per hour for 10 minutes and then 360 milliliters per hour for 10 minutes, or 370 milliliters per hour for 15 minutes and then 740 milliliters per hour for 15 minutes).
For heart muscle protection during heart surgery, a 4:1 pyruvate-fortified blood cardioplegic solution, consisting of pyruvate ringer's with 10 millimolars of sodium pyruvate has been injected or infused.
For high cholesterol, 36-53 grams of pyruvate has been taken by mouth daily in three divided doses for six weeks.
For reducing body fat mass, three grams has been taken by mouth twice daily for six weeks, and 22-44 grams has been taken by mouth daily in three divided doses for six weeks.
For hyperkeratotic skin conditions, Eucerin? cream with 5% pyruvate has been applied to the affected area three times daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Pyruvate may affect blood sugar by decreasing insulin response. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Pyruvate may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs, herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.
Pyruvate may also interact with acetylsalicylic acid, anti-inflammatory agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, cyclosporin, dichloroacetate, drugs for the heart, drugs for the skin, drugs that protect the liver, inosine-phosphate-pyruvate solution, neuroprotective agents, respiratory agents, sleep-inducing drugs, valproate, and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Boschmann M, Engeli S, Dobberstein K, et al. Dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV inhibition augments postprandial lipid mobilization and oxidation in type 2 diabetic patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009;94(3):846-852.
Faldini A, Marchetti N. [Clinical trial of a new synthetic product: o-ethoxybenzylhydrazone of diethanolamine pyruvate associated with vitamins B 1, B 6 and B 12 and dichloroethanoate of diisopropylammonium in the treatment of rheumatic and neuritic pain syndromes]. Minerva Ortop 1970;21(1):51-56.
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Hermann HP, Arp J, Pieske B, et al. Improved systolic and diastolic myocardial function with intracoronary pyruvate in patients with congestive heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 2004;6(2):213-218.
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Knott EM, Sun J, Lei Y, et al. Pyruvate mitigates oxidative stress during reperfusion of cardioplegia-arrested myocardium. Ann Thorac Surg 2006;81(3):928-934.
Mallet RT, Sun J, Knott EM,et al. Metabolic cardioprotection by pyruvate: recent progress. Exp Biol Med (Maywood ) 2005;230(7):435-443.
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Sharma AB, Barlow MA, Yang SH, et al. Pyruvate enhances neurological recovery following cardiopulmonary arrest and resuscitation. Resuscitation 2008;76(1):108-119.
Sharma AB, Knott EM, Bi J, et al. Pyruvate improves cardiac electromechanical and metabolic recovery from cardiopulmonary arrest and resuscitation. Resuscitation 2005;66(1):71-81.
Stanko RT, Reynolds HR, Hoyson R,et al. Pyruvate supplementation of a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet: effects on plasma lipid concentrations and body composition in hyperlipidemic patients. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59(2):423-427.
Stanko RT, Reynolds HR, Lonchar KD, et al. Plasma lipid concentrations in hyperlipidemic patients consuming a high-fat diet supplemented with pyruvate for 6 wk. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56(5):950-954.
Votto JJ, Bowen JB, Barton RW, et al. Inhaled sodium pyruvate improved FEV1 and decreased expired breath levels of nitric oxide in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2008;21(4):329-334.