Effect of pyruvate supplementation on body composition and mood

A 6-week, double-masked, placebo-controlled study was conducted to determine the effects of pyruvate supplementation on body weight, body composition, and vigor and fatigue levels in overweight men and women. Subjects were separated into one of three groups: pyruvate (6 g/d), placebo (maltodextrin 6 g/d), and control (received nothing). In addition, each subject participated in a circuit weight training and aerobic exercise program three times per week, 45.5 minutes per day. After 6 weeks of treatment, a significant decrease in fat mass (2.1 kg) and percent body fat (2.6%), and a significant increase in lean body mass (1.5 kg) were noted in the pyruvate group. The placebo and control groups did not demonstrate significant changes in fat mass, percent body fat, or lean body mass. In addition, Profile of Mood States-fatigue scores decreased significantly after 6 weeks in the pyruvate and placebo groups; Profile of Mood States-vigor scores increased significantly only in the pyruvate group. The ingestion of pyruvate 6 g/d for 6 weeks, along with regular exercise, can reduce body fat, increase lean body mass, and improve fatigue and vigor scores.