EFFECTS OF EXOGENOUS PYRUVATE ON BODY COMPOSITION AND ENERGY LEVELS

Abstract

882 Well controlled human studies have demonstrated that pyruvate (PYR) in doses ranging from 31-100 g per day enhanced fat loss and increased endurance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a smaller, more practical dose of pyruvate (6 g/d) as part of a pyruvate formula on body composition as well as vigor and fatigue levels. Fifty three healthy subjects with a body mass index (BMI) > 25 participated in the six week double blind, placebo controlled study. Body composition was determined by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). The fifty three subjects were randomized to one of three groups; 1) control (CON), 2) placebo (PLA), 3) pyruvate-based formula (PYR+). Significant changes in body composition were observed. Compared to baseline,% bodyfat (%BF) was reduced 12.4% (p<0.001) at 6 weeks, in the PVR+ group. Reduction in absolute bodyfat (BF) level of 4.8 lbs.(p<0.001) were observed in the PYR+ group at 6 weeks. Compared to CON and PLA, the changes in%BF found in the PYR+ group were significant at 6 weeks(p<0.0001) as were the changes in absolute%BF at 6 weeks. Compared to baseline, lean body mass (LBM) increased 3.4lbs (p=0.001) in the PYR+ group at 6 weeks. The increase in LBM observed in the PYR+ group was significantly different at 6 weeks (p<0.001) when compared to CON and PLA. Body Composition Improvement (BCI), which reflect positive changes in body composition, were also significant in the PYR+ group at 6 weeks. Compared to baseline, calculated basal metabolic rate (BMR) increased 2.2% (p=0.003) in the PYR+ group at 6 weeks. Compared to CON and PLA, vigor scores, as determined by Profile of Mood States(POMS), increased significantly in PYR+ group at 6 (p=0.05) weeks, although when compared to baseline, only the 17.7% increase seen within the PYR+ group was significant (p=0.003). No significant changes in%BF, BF, LBM, BCI, BMR, or vigor scores were observed in either PLA or CON groups, PYR+, a dietary supplement consisting primarily of calcium pyruvate, was found to significantly reduce%BF, BF, and fatigue scores, while increasing LBM, calculated BMR, and vigor scores. Based on the results of this study, 6 g PYR+ as the major component of a formula appears to be an effective daily dose.