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Pyruvic acid

Pyruvic acid (CH₃COCO₂H) is an alpha-keto acid, of the keto acid group.

It is created by the body when sugars are metabolised. Provided that sufficient oxygen is available, pyruvic acid is then broken down through the Kreb's cycle. If insufficient oxygen is available, the acid is broken down anerobically, creating lactic acid.

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