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Pyruvate: What's The Hype?
By Mark Occhipinti

The issue of Pyruvate is the focus of this article after receiving dozens of e-mails and phone calls regarding this substance and subsequent hype regarding whether or not it works. The makers of Pyruvate are touting it as the next "magic bullet" for fat loss. Pyruvate is linked to carbohydrate metabolism in the body.

There are two primary enzymes that have the mineral Manganese as a component; Pyruvate Carboxylase and Superoxide Dismutase. When blood tests reveal a deficiency of Pyruvate Carboxylase in humans the treatment is typically the nutrient vitamin B-1 (Thiamine). When there is a deficiency in the enzyme Superoxide Dismutase the treatment of choice by doctors is a combination of Lipoic Acid and a diet high in omega 3 & omega 6 fatty acids.

There has been some research conducted on Pyruvate (eight studies that I have read), with 7 of those studies conducted by a Dr. Ronald Stanko (who happens to sell pyruvate) and were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, The Journal of Applied Physiology, and Clinical Physiology & Biochemistry. All peer reviewed journals and highly respected.

A research scientist, and author, Dr. Larry Hobbs contacted Dr. Stanko and received a quote regarding Pyruvate. "We see a linear response between 2-5 grams of Pyruvate daily taken by mouth, followed by a plateau. The response when increasing the dosage to 10-15 grams is the same as when 5 grams were taken."

Dr. Hobbs was unable to locate any actual published studies valdating the studies which recommended the usage of 5 grams per day to illicit fat loss. Upon inquiry with Dr. Stanko it was learned that there have not been any studies conducted using 5 grams of Pyruvate per day, nor were there any studies planned! Upon further probing, Dr. Stanko stated, "The supposedly optium dose of 5 grams per day for fat loss is based on the calculations from dose-responsive curves in animals"! As Larry Hobbs pointed out, "Unless I see some studies that clearly prove otherwise, I am not convinced that 5 grams or any amount of Pyruvate will assist in weight loss from fat. Perhaps the magic number 5 grams has been chosen due to the fact that it is an affordable dose ($2.00-$3.00 per day) rather than the "effective" dose.

An effective or optimal dose based on Dr. Stanko's research demonstrated a dose based on 20 percent of the total calories taken in one day. Studies that have been conducted with pyruvate in therapeutic doses ranged between 22-44 grams per day at a cost of $7 to $14.00 per day. Researchers have noted that a deficiency resulted in vitamin B-6 and zinc in animal studies at these high levels (20% of total calories).

There have been several studies that have demonstrated some efficacy in very low calorie (400-800 calories per day) diets, with a protein intake of between 40-50 grams of protein daily. With a diet as extreme in both the caloric intake and carbohydrate restrictive as this catabolism (tissue breakdown) ensues causing muscle loss through gluconeogensis (the liberation of glycogen=stored blood sugar into glucose=free blood sugar). This process takes place to support the glucose needs of the brain to maintain normal or near normal function. This promotes weight loss from muscle not from fat, and actually results in the stimulation of fat- storage and activation of the fat storing enzyme, LPL. This has been especially noticeable in women that ingest less than 1,500 calories each day.

In one study 22 to 44 grams of pyruvate were given each day to a group of 34 volunteers who also were on a low-fat diet that ranged in caloric intake from 1,640 to 1,840 calories/day. Weight loss was measured at 1/2 pound at the end of the six weeks. Consider that each individual consumed between 924 grams to 1,848 grams of pyruvate during the study. This amounts to more than a little pocket change ($16.30 per ounce) at the current retail prices!

Pyruvate did not prevent weight loss in volunteers that followed a high fat diet (greater than 46% of calories from fat) even though these individuals consumed 36 to 53 grams of pyruvate daily. Actually the pyruvate group gained 11/2 pounds of weight (no indication of muscle) during this additional trial. However, the side effects could be heard (flatulence) and experienced (diarrhea) for many in the group.

Pyruvate is not the fat loss magic bullet many believe it to be. It may improve insulin sensitivity in rats, and possibly reduce blood sugar in type 2 non-insulin-dependent diabetics. One of the side effects of the high ingestion of pyruvate from the test group above was a decrease in serum cholesterol by 4 percent in a dosage of 36-53 grams. It would be interesting to note the long term effects of such high dosages. Perhaps the effects on the liver should be considered. Certainly time and long term testing first on rats, then on the efficacy in humans needs to be addressed before anyone runs out on the pyruvate bandwagon.

This article was provided by Mark Occhipinti, President of AFPA. Visit their web site at http://www.afpafitness.com

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