Sodium pyruvate is a chemical substance added to cell cultures to serve as an additional source of energy for the dividing cells. According to ClinicalTrial.gov, an ongoing clinical investigation on the effectiveness of sodium pyruvate for bronchial asthma is being carried out. Another study published by "Shock" in November 2009 shows that sodium pyruvate can also be used as a resuscitative fluid for cases of shock, which is a life-threatening situation. Side effects and interactions have been reported with the use of sodium pyruvate, and doctor supervision is recommended.
Weight Loss
One of the most common side effects of the pyruvate component of sodium pyruvate is weight loss, and this is the reason why many dieters use this substance in their quest to achieve their ideal weight, according to a study published by the "Journal of Obesity" in June 2010. The mechanism of action of pyruvate in causing weight loss is still unclear. However, researchers noted that in laboratory rats, there was an increased utilization of fat and elevation in the resting metabolic rate requirement in those animals receiving this chemical substance.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, stomach upset and nausea can be encountered in patients taking the oral preparations of pyruvate, a component of sodium pyruvate. According to the "Journal of Obesity," this adverse effect is usually minimal and tolerable. However, since only short-term studies have been conducted, the long-term effect and adverse reaction of this chemical is still unknown. Further studies need to be conducted to investigate the actual effect of pyruvate on the gastrointestinal tract.
Cardiac Arrest
A case report published by "Lancet" in 1991 reports that an intravenous bolus injection of pyruvate, a component of sodium pyruvate, resulted in cardiac arrest and death in a child with restrictive cardiomyopathy, a heart condition characterized by the inability of the heart chambers to properly fill with blood because of heart muscle stiffness. The mechanism in which pyruvate caused this death is unknown. You should only take sodium pyruvate after talking to your doctor.
References
- Lonza: Sodium Pyruvate Solution
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Safety and Efficacy Study of the Use of Sodium Pyruvate Bronchodilation in Asthmatics
- "Shock"; Hypertonic Sodium Pyruvate Solution Is More Effective Than Ringers Ethyl Pyruvate in the Treatment of Hemorrhagic Shock; P. SharmaP. et al.; May 2010
- "Journal of Obesity"; An Evidence-Based Review of Fat-Modifying Supplemental Weight Loss Products; A.M. Egras et al.; June 2010
- "Lancet"; Fatal Outcome of Pyruvate Loading Test in Child With Restrictive Cardiomyopathy; D. Matthys et al.; 1991
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