
What is Calcium Pyruvate?
Calcium Pyruvate
HCA is an all natural mixture containing 500 mg of calcium pyruvate and 10 mg
Garcinia cambogia that was designed to aid in the reduction of fat and increase
exercise performance. Calcium pyruvate is a combination of pyruvic acid and
calcium. When pyruvate is combined with sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium
it forms a stable compound known as a pyruvate salt. It is then able to be
absorbed by the body without irritation. This process is a complex one, which is
the main reason why this product has just recently become available to the
consumer.
It is believed
that pyruvate helps improve muscular performance and endurance by enhancing
"glucose extraction" (glucose extraction is the process by which
glucose, the primary fuel used by muscles for activity, is transported from the
blood stream into the muscles). In fact, the study that measured arm endurance
showed an increase of glucose extraction by almost 300% after one hour of
exercise. The pyruvate mixture was also shown to increase glucose extraction
with the subjects at rest which led to a 50% increase in muscle glycogen (a
source of stored energy). Because glucose is an important fuel for the body,
increased in glucose extraction and muscle glycogen could theoretically
translate into an increased capacity not only for endurance but also for
high-intensity exercise, like bodybuilding, as well.
Garcinia cambogia
is a fruit that grows in southern India that contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA).
Studies show that hydroxycitric acid is a potent inhibitor of citrate lyase, an
enzyme primarily found in the liver, which is vital in regulating fat
metabolism. At the cell level HCA molecules begin a sequence of events which
result in fewer fatty acids being synthesized and therefore less fat is
available for storage. With less fat stored in the cell, the build up of body
fat will be less.
Why should I use
Pyruvate?
There has been some
recent data that suggests that in conjunction with a low-fat diet,
Pyruvate can increase the amount of energy that the mitochondria (a
region in cells where compounds are used to create energy), uses as
well as possibly inhibiting fat production in the body. For athletes
or persons looking for weight loss, this can mean a natural added boost
to your fat loss efforts.
What research has
been done on Pyruvate?
Various research
studies have been done on Pyruvate that were conducted on humans in a
double-blind, placebo manner. These studies have shown that
supplementing the diet with Pyruvate has had a significant effect on
sustained weight and fat loss. Subjects in these studies enhanced fat
loss up to 48%. It should be noted however that these studies were
conducted on obese women and not on well conditioned athletes. In
addition to these studies, others have shown that supplementing with
Pyruvate increased muscular endurance through an infusion of glucose
and glycogen.
What doses of
Pyruvate should be taken?
There are no
definitive studies showing what doses of Pyruvate are most effective.
However, many scientists believe that taking anywhere from 2-6gm per
day can have significant results.
What side effects
are caused by Pyruvate?
Pyruvate has thus far
been shown to be extremely safe and effective. No known side effects
have been reported.
