What is Calcium Pyruvate? Calcium pyruvate is pyruvic acid combined with the mineral calcium. Despite the name, calcium pyruvate rarely acts as a calcium supplement. The calcium’s primary purpose is to stabilize pyruvic acid and facilitate its various functions throughout the body. What is Pyruvate? Pyruvate is a natural substance made in the body during glycolysis that contributes to metabolism and carbohydrate digestion. Pyruvic acid provides cells with energy in two ways depending on oxygen availability. In the presence of oxygen, the body converts pyruvate into acetyl-coenzyme A to start the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle. The citric acid cycle relies on acetyl-coenzyme A to facilitate a series of chemical reactions that release stored energy. If oxygen levels are insufficient, pyruvic acid breaks down via fermentation to produce lactate. Lactate acts as a non-oxygen-dependent energy source during anaerobic exercise when the demand for energy is high. Pyruvate can also convert into oxaloacetate, which the body uses to generate glucose in a process known as glucogenesis. It also replenishes citric acid cycle intermediates. Natural sources of pyruvate include apples, cheese, dark beer, and red wine. What Happens During Glycolysis? Glycolysis is a series of reactions required to metabolize glucose. This process produces two pyruvate molecules and two adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules. The pyruvate provides energy via the citric acid cycle of through its conversion into lactate. The body uses ATP as an energy source to fuel many bodily functions and processes. Potential Benefits of Calcium Pyruvate Calcium pyruvate may enhance fat loss efforts by increasing fat breakdown. It may enhance the metabolism of sugar and starches into energy due to its involvement in the citric acid cycle. The additional energy released may help the body function more efficiently and aid in exercise. Calcium pyruvate may also help burn stored fat by making it readily available for use as fuel. Calcium pyruvate may benefit exercise performance, too. It enhances the delivery of glucose and protein into muscle cells by increasing the amount of ATP available to the energy engines of cells (mitochondria). Other potential calcium pyruvate benefits include: Reducing inflammation. Numerous animal studies show that calcium pyruvate has anti-inflammatory properties. Immune system support. One animal study found that calcium pyruvate enhances immune function. Heart health support. One study reported that calcium pyruvate enhanced heart function in animals following heart surgery. Potential Side Effects of Calcium Pyruvate Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, bloating, gas, and increased bowel movements. Large doses increase the likelihood of these side effects. Calcium pyruvate is a better option than sodium pyruvate for individuals with heart conditions. Sodium compounds have a higher likelihood of increasing blood pressure. Purity and Concentration of Calcium Pyruvate Calcium pyruvate powder contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. Store in a cool, dry area protected from light. Reseal after each use. Mixing and Solubility of Calcium Pyruvate This product dissolves quickly in water. Mix with water or citrus juice and drink. References & Further Research http://chemistry.elmhurst.edu/vchembook/603pyruvic.html https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033556 https://archive.org/details/exercisephysiolo00mcar_0 Garrett RH, Grisham CM (2002). Principles of Biochemistry with a Human Focus. USA: Brooks/Cole, Thomson Learning. pp. 578, 585. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15797672/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26774455/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30634696/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31618501/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356508/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29154687/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24188231/
