Pyruvate for Sports & Fitness
Why Use
Why Do Athletes Use It?*
Some athletes say that pyruvate helps them lose body fat and also helps boost metabolism and 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.
*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for this supplement 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.
Dosage & Side Effects
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 program reported greater effects on weight loss and body fat compared with those taking a placebo with the exercise program.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
Side Effects
High intakes of pyruvate can trigger gastrointestinal upset, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. 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
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.
Interactions with Medicines
As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
More Resources
Where to Find It
Pyruvate is formed in the body as a byproduct 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.
