Evidence supporting the use of: Sodium pyruvate
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sodium pyruvate is a salt form of pyruvic acid, an intermediate in glycolysis, the primary pathway for cellular energy production. Its use as a supplement to support energy levels has some scientific rationale, primarily based on its role in cellular metabolism. Pyruvate enters the mitochondria and is converted to acetyl-CoA, feeding into the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) and ultimately leading to ATP production. In theory, supplemental sodium pyruvate could support energy metabolism, especially under conditions where endogenous supplies are limited or glycolysis is upregulated, such as during intense exercise.
Some small clinical studies and preclinical data suggest that sodium pyruvate supplementation may improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue by enhancing energy production and buffering lactic acid. For example, a few studies have reported modest improvements in endurance or reduced perceived exertion with pyruvate supplementation, but results are inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes or methodological flaws. There is also some evidence from cell culture and animal studies indicating that pyruvate can protect against oxidative stress and support cellular energy balance under hypoxic or ischemic conditions.
However, robust clinical evidence supporting sodium pyruvate as a treatment for general "lack of energy" in otherwise healthy individuals is lacking. Most available research focuses on athletic performance or specific disease states, not on fatigue or energy in the general population. Thus, while its use is scientifically plausible, the overall quality and quantity of supporting evidence is limited, justifying a moderate-low rating.
Other ingredients used for Energy (lack of)
7-Keto-DHEAacai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
biotin
black pepper
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
eleuthero
folate
fructose
ginseng
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guarana
guayusa
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnitine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-tyrosine
maca
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
milk
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
nettle
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
rhodiola
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
succinic acid
tongkat ali
almond fruit
vegetable blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
whey protein
zinc
suma
jiaogulan
alpinia galangal
commiphora
bee pollen
lemongrass
siler root
cistanche
sweet flag
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
trace minerals
yerba mate
wheat germ
algae
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Aralia
akebia
Alpha polylactate
Antler
Agastache
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
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Anamu
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adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
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banana
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glucose
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peanut
Wheat