Like the other seven B vitamins, vitamin B12 helps your body convert carbohydrates into glucose to produce energy, and it is necessary for the metabolism of proteins. Your body creates pyruvate during this metabolism of carbohydrates and protein. As always, consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements.
Benefits of Calcium Pyruvate
Calcium pyruvate -- a natural formation of pyruvate acid and calcium -- may be able to help your body create energy and speed your metabolism. While some evidence exists that it may help you reduce body fat, some studies have found it has no effect, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition to its ability to help you lose weight and fat, calcium pyruvate also may be able to increase performance during exercise. However, calcium pyruvate likely does not benefit body composition during strength training, according to Peace Health.
Functions of Vitamin B12
As a cofactor for L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, vitamin B12 is essential for fat and protein metabolism. Vitamin B12 also is vital for the formation of red blood cells, neurological function and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 also works with vitamins B6 and B9 to control levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is associated with heart disease.
Vitamin B12 Benefits
By regulating homocysteine, vitamin B12 may be able to reduce the risk of heart disease. Other possible benefits include breast-cancer prevention, male infertility, asthma and cognitive impairment, but more studies are needed to determine whether these benefits exist. High doses of vitamin B12 can be used to treat pernicious anemia, a dangerous condition that can result in weakness, pale skin, diarrhea, weight loss and other symptoms.
Deficiencies
Since pyruvate is not considered an essential nutrient, you will not suffer from a pyruvate deficiency. However, vitamin B12 deficiency is not uncommon, especially among the elderly. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, shortness of breath, nervousness and numbness. Other than the elderly, vegetarians, vegans, people with malabsorption conditions, people who suffer from eating disorders and people with HIV may be at increased risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Available Sources
Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, such as fish, shell fish, dairy products, organ meats, eggs, beef and pork. Vitamin B12 supplements are available in multivitamins, B-complex vitamins and individual supplements. For those who are deficient, injections from a doctor may be necessary. In addition to being the byproduct of normal metabolism of carbohydrates and protein, pyruvate also is found in sources such as red apples, cheese, dark beer and red wine. Pyruvate pills also are available. Calcium pyruvate may be better than sodium pyruvate or potassium pyruvate, because calcium is a better stabilizing mineral, meaning it limits the water weight in the product.
Precautions
Pyruvate in excess can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating and diarrhea. It also may lower good cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins, but not enough evidence is available to be certain. Vitamin B12, like any dietary supplement, may interact with medications, so consult a doctor before use.
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