Pyruvate, or pyruvic acid, is a biochemical compound that's involved in a number of metabolic processes in the body, including the metabolism of fat, proteins, and carbohydrates, the storage of glycogen, and the production of cellular energy. Pyruvate is necessary for the citric acid cycle (or Krebs cycle), which is the process through which our cells produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (Atp).