Pyruvate, a natural fuel molecule made in every cell and sold as a calcium or sodium salt supplement, is marketed mainly for fat loss and exercise stamina. Human evidence is thin: the best-supported effect is a small extra weight loss when large amounts replace part of dietary carbohydrate during calorie restriction. The main risk is dose-related digestive upset; the balance of benefit and risk for healthy longevity remains uncertain. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| HDL cholesterol | >60 mg/dL | Detect training-related HDL blunting |
| LDL cholesterol | <100 mg/dL | Detect unfavorable rise |
| Fasting glucose | 75–90 mg/dL | Detect additive glucose lowering |
| Blood pressure | <120/80 mmHg | Detect additive lowering or sodium effect |
| Serum calcium | 9.2–10.0 mg/dL | Detect calcium overload from calcium pyruvate |
| Serum sodium | 138–142 mmol/L | Detect sodium load from sodium pyruvate |
| eGFR | >90 mL/min/1.73 m² | Kidney capacity to clear minerals |
| Body weight and waist | Track change from own baseline | Judge fat-loss effect |
| Visual field (glaucoma) | Track change from own baseline | Judge visual-function effect |
| Resting lactate (mitochondrial disease only) | 0.5–1.5 mmol/L | Judge metabolic response |
Cadence: Baseline before starting; blood pressure, glucose and weight at 1 week and 4 weeks; lipids, calcium or sodium and kidney function at 8–12 weeks; then every 6–12 months while continuing. Glaucoma users repeat visual fields every 3–6 months with their specialist.