RESUMO
The effects of the three-carbon compound pyruvate on plasma lipid concentrations and body composition were evaluated in hyperlipidemic patients consuming a low-cholesterol (165-180 mg), low-fat (22-24% of energy; 18-20% of energy as saturated fatty acid) diet (0.091-0.099 MJ.kg body wt-1 x d-1). After consuming the above diet for 4 wk, during which time plasma lipid concentrations decreased, 34 subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 22-44 g pyruvate (n = 17) or 18-35 g polyglucose (placebo, Polycose, n = 17), iso-energetically substituted for a portion of carbohydrate energy for 6 wk. Despite greater weight and fat losses with pyruvate (P < 0.05), plasma concentrations of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride were not different between the two groups of subjects. We conclude that subsequent to diet-induced reduction in plasma lipid concentrations, pyruvate supplementation of a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet providing 6.7-7.6 MJ/d for 6 wk has no effect on plasma lipid concentrations but enhances body weight and fat losses.