Effects of calcium pyruvate supplementation during training on body composition, exercise capacity, and metabolic responses to exercise

Abstract

Method: Twenty-three untrained females were matched and assigned to ingest in a double blind and randomized manner either 5 g of calcium pyruvate (PYR) or a placebo (PL) twice daily for 30 d while participating in a supervised exercise program. Prior to and following supplementation, subjects had body composition determined via hydrodensiometry; performed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test; and performed a 45-min walk test at 70% of pre-training VO 2 max in which fasting pre-and post exercise blood samples determined.Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in energy intake or training volume. Univariate repeated measures ANOVA revealed that subjects in the PYR group gained less weight (PL 1.2 ± 0.3, PYR 0.3 ± 0.3 kg, P = 0.04), lost more fat (PL 1.1 ± 0.5; PYR −0.4 ± 0.5 kg, P = 0.03), and tended to lose a greater percentage of body fat (PL 1.0 ± 0.7; PYR −0.65 ± 0.6%, P = 0.07), with no differences observed in fat-free mass (PL 0.1 ± 0.5; PYR 0.7 ± 0.3 kg, P = 0.29). However, these changes were not significant when body composition data were analyzed by MANOVA (P = 0.16). There was some evidence that PYR may negate some of the beneficial effects of exercise on HDL values. No significant differences were observed between groups in maximal exercise responses or metabolic responses to submaximal walking. Conclusions:Results indicate that PYR supplementation during training does not significantly affect body composition or exercise performance and may negatively affect some blood lipid levels.

Assessment of antioxidant properties of alpha-keto acids in vitro and in vivo

“…For instance, AKG is usually supplemented in average dose of ~1-2 g per kilogram of body mass daily to study its benefit effects in mice or pigs [8,9,33]. In experiments studying effects of keto acids on training efficiency and athletic performance, the volunteers consumed on average 5-25 g of AKG or pyruvate per day [34,35]. Such diet enriched with keto acids makes possible exhibiting of their antioxidant properties.…”

Single pyruvate intake induces blood alkalization and modification of resting metabolism in humans

“…In regard to the fact that the commercially available supplements provide 0.5 to 1.0 g of pyruvate per serving and the recommended daily uptake is only a few grams, later studies examined the effectiveness of lower pyruvate dosages [9,10]. One study [9] reported that administration of CaP 6 g/d for 6 wk combined with training three times weekly (45-60 min at 60% of predicted maximal heart rate) induced a modest but significant decrease in body weight and body fat in the overweight individuals in comparison to a placebo.…”

The bioavailability of calcium in the form of pyruvate, carbonate, citrate–malate in healthy postmenopausal women

“…These assumptions are, however, only partially supported and require further studies [11,13,14]. Moreover, some studies support the view that Ca supplementation may even increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and have a deteriorating effect on lipid levels [15,16]. To achieve realistic and comparable conditions in which both passive and active absorption pathways contribute significantly, in the present each supplement was administered in a dose of 1 g of Ca.…”

“…It has been demonstrated that CaPyr does not alter training adaptations without creatinine supplementation [25]. Moreover, Koh-Banerjee et al [15] showed that not only does CaPyr supplementation not affect body composition during training but it may even cancel some of the normally positive effects of exercise on blood lipid profiles. Further investigations are necessary to fully elucidate the mechanism behind this observation.…”