Pyruvate is a carbohydrate naturally found in red apples, cheeses, and red wine.  A discovery made at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine showed that a diet supplemented with Pyruvate increased fat loss by up to 48% and minimized the associated loss of body protein. Normally, during dietary restriction to promote fat loss, there is always a corresponding loss of muscle, but this study shows otherwise.

Scientists who have studied Pyruvate believe it may accelerate fat loss by increasing "cellular respiration," which is the amount of energy the mitochondria uses. Some believe that calcium Pyruvate may even reduce fat without exercise making it an extremely attractive "fat burner" for those people who have trouble sticking to a diet or an exercise routine. For those who are able to maintain a strict exercise routine, but have trouble losing weight, Pyruvate may help them attain their goals without nervousness or jittery feelings commonly associated with most over the counter thermogenic fat burners. The fact that calcium Pyruvate may increase endurance by up to 20% makes it even more attractive to bodybuilders and anyone who is on a calorie restricted diet because of how hard it is to get intense workouts once you have cut back on calories. The added endurance may make getting an intense workout easier.

Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence with humans (bodybuilders) has been promising. Some research protocol is as much as 30 grams of Pyruvate daily. Unfortunately, this much Pyruvate would result in an upset stomach in most people. Therefore, it would seem that for it to be effective, it would be necessary to consume large amounts of Pyruvate. Perhaps the nausea associated with the large dosage is what helps dieters lose weight, as they can neither keep food down or want to eat.