PYRUVATE Overview Information
The body produces pyruvate when it breaks down sugar (glucose). Pyruvate is available as a supplement.
Pyruvate is used for weight loss and obesity, high cholesterol, cataracts, cancer, and improving athletic performance.
Some people apply pyruvic acid, a liquid form of pyruvate, to the skin to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. Pyruvic acid is sometimes applied to the skin as a facial peel.
How does it work?
Pyruvate might contribute to weight loss by increasing the breakdown of fat.
In addition, pyruvic acid seems to cause the outer layer of skin cells to slough off, which accounts for its use in reversing aging due to exposure to the sun.
PYRUVATE Uses & Effectiveness 
Possibly Effective for:
- Aging skin. Applying a 50% pyruvic acid skin peel once a week for 4 weeks seems to smooth skin, decrease fine wrinkles, and decrease dark spots associated with aging due to sun exposure.
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Weight loss and obesity. So far, study results disagree about the effectiveness of pyruvate for weight loss.
- Improving athletic performance. Some research suggests that taking pyruvate along with high-dose dihydroxyacetone from the diet increases arm and leg exercise endurance. However, other research suggests that pyruvate, alone or in combination with creatine does not improve athletic performance.
- Cataracts.
- Cancer.
- Other conditions.
PYRUVATE Side Effects & Safety
Pyruvate seems to be safe when taken by mouth short-term (up to six weeks). Side effects such as stomach upset, gas, bloating, and diarrhea can occur when large amounts are taken.
Pyruvic acid facial peels seem to be safe when applied by a healthcare professional. It can cause severe skin burning and should be applied only to small patches of skin at a time.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of pyruvate during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.A heart condition called cardiomyopathy: One death was associated with intravenous use in a child who had cardiomyopathy.
PYRUVATE Interactions
We currently have no information for PYRUVATE Interactions
PYRUVATE Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
- For aging skin: A 50% pyruvic acid peel applied once weekly for 4 weeks.
