Pyruvate refers to a dietary supplement targeting both sedentary and active individuals. The most popular claims for pyruvate center about its purported ability to:
1) "significantly" increase fat and weight loss; 2) improve exercise endurance capacity; 3) effectively reduce cholesterol, and; 4) serve as a potent antioxidant. However, these contentions are based mainly on faulty extrapolations of preliminary or inconclusive evidence.
Pyruvate is formed in the body during digestion of carbohydrates and protein, some studies indicate that it may help with weight loss. Although it appears to be safe, claims of boosting metabolism, decreasing appetite and aiding in weight loss require further study.