Pyruvic Acid

Elevated by a number of nonspecific factors, including vigorous exercise, bacterial overgrowth of the GI tract, shock, poor perfusion, B-vitamin deficiency, mitochondrial dysfunction or damage, and anemia, among others.

Pyruvate may be elevated when B-vitamins, particularly B1 and B5, are insufficient. When both L-Lactate and pyruvate are high, there may be insufficient lipoic acid, a type of B-vitamin. Lipoic acid is an important antioxidant, so low levels can lead to aging-related illnesses. Many studies have shown that lipoic acid is helpful in treating diabetes and for assisting the liver with removing toxins from the body.

Possible causes:

• Impaired metabolism due to cofactor insufficiencies or toxic metals (As, Pb, Hg, Cd)
• Muscle injury
• Severe adrenal insufficiency (impaired conversion of pyruvate to alanine

Additional investigations:

• Vitamins & Minerals Analysis
• Comprehensive Urine Elements Profile
• Adrenal Hormone Profile

Treatment considerations:

• Supplement cofactors (B1, B2, B3, B5, Mg, Lipoic acid)
• Remove toxic metals
• Adrenal support if required

Possible causes:

• Deficient substrate for energy production
• Impaired production from glycogen (glycogenolysis), carbohydrates (glycolysis), or proteins (gluconeogenesis)

Additional investigations:

• Urinary Amino Acids
• Vitamin & Mineral Analysis
• Adrenal Hormone Profile

Treatment considerations:

• Gluconeogenic amino acids (e.g. L-alanine, glycine, L-serine)
• B6, Mg
• Correct glucose/insulin imbalances
• Adrenal support if required
• Consider Ca pyruvate supplementation

Pyruvic Acid feeds into the citric acid cycle & converts into acetyl CoA. Pyruvate is formed from carbohydrate via glucose or glycogen & secondarily from fats (glycerol) & glycogenic amino acids. Pyruvic acid is also formed from lactic acid with O2 and zinc.