Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to form acetyl–coenzyme A, a crucial step in many metabolic pathways, is carried out in most aerobic organisms by the multienzyme complex pyruvate dehydrogenase.

Pyruvate is produced by glycolysis, a process in which carbohydrates are broken down to create energy. Calcium pyruvate is a popular supplement that many people use primarily for its purported weight ...