Pyruvate is the anionic structure of pyruvic acid, which is a naturally occurring acid that contains three carbons. Pyruvate plays an important role in the glycolytic and pyruvate dehydrogenase pathways, which help the body convert food into usable energy. Pyruvate is found in many areas of nature, and it is naturally produced in the human body. However, the body also gets pyruvate through diet. An average person gets between 100 mg to 2 g of pyruvate per day. Some fruits and vegetables have especially high levels of pyruvate. For instance, a medium-sized apple has as much as 450 mg. Dark beer and red wine also have high levels of pyruvate.
Current studies are showing that pyruvate in supraphysiological amounts could possibly help the cardiovascular system in a role as an inotropic. Supraphysiological levels of pyruvate could also have bariatric and ergogenic functions.
Pyruvate may also be effective in lowering body mass. One study gave 22-44 g a day of pyruvate to subjects who were trying to lose weight using a low-fat diet. They gave other subjects a placebo. The subjects who took pyruvate lost more weight more quickly and had increased lean body mass.
Evidence also suggests that pyruvate has antioxidant properties, meaning that it protects the body against free radicals.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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