What is it?

Although pyruvate's "15 minutes of fame" seems to have passed, based on new fat burning research, it may resurface again as a promising weight-loss aid. Pyruvate is the "end" product when carbohydrates and proteins are metabolized in the body. Even though we do ingest small amounts of pyruvate from food, fat loss research is suggesting that supplementation may be beneficial for individuals wishing to lose weight.

Numerous active people are interested in pyruvate as a fat burner for its potential to help boost both resting metabolic rate and improve their bodies' use of fuel—both ATP and blood sugar. But the fat loss research continues regarding how much is enough for those beneficial fat loss effects—ranging from as little as six grams a day to an unrealistic 30 grams a day.

How this fat burner works

Pyruvate's fat burning benefits appear to be the result of its potential to increase resting metabolic rate. More loosely stated, there is an increase in the use of fat as an energy source, thus raising our metabolic rate, and the higher our resting metabolism, the more calories we burn throughout the day—even when we're lying on the couch or sitting at the computer (as in now). The subject of much controversy, fat loss research suggests that while pyruvate may be effective for weight loss, the amount required is too high to be safe for daily consumption. That is until a recent fat burning study concluded its effectiveness at much lower amounts. This is simply a case "where the experts can't agree."

What does the science say about this fat burner?

In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, over the course of a six-week trial, pyruvate significantly decreased not only bodyweight but bodyfat as well. Fat loss results were significant compared to the control and placebo groups, as the pyruvate group lost an average of 12% bodyfat (4.8 lbs of fat), while gaining 3.4 lbs of lean mass. This study also indicated resting metabolic rate increased by an average of 2.2% in the pyruvate group.

The reason for this significance is that past studies using pyruvate for weight loss used amounts upwards of 30 grams a day, which normally caused gastrointestinal issues (i.e., upset stomach). Now, in this recent fat loss study, the subjects who lost bodyfat used only six grams of pyruvate a day. This is good news for those wishing to use pyruvate for fat loss—and not wishing for stomach discomfort nor wanting to spend a load of money to achieve the desired effects.

How to take it

There are still many questions regarding "optimal" amounts of pyruvate to achieve desired fat loss effects, but much of the research for weight loss initially used 30 grams daily. However, recent fat burning research suggests as little as six grams per day taken before meals may be beneficial for fat loss. The most effective form is calcium pyruvate.