Oxaloacetate
Useful mainly for people with chronic fatigue exploring an experimental adjunct.
Quick decision guide
May help most
people with chronic fatigue exploring an experimental adjunct
Common dosing range
100–1000 mg/day (studied ranges vary widely)
When to expect effects
Weeks (uncertain)
Watch out for
very limited human safety and efficacy data
What is it
Oxaloacetate is a four-carbon intermediate of the citric acid (Krebs) cycle, sold as a stabilized supplement (often as a calcium or sodium salt). It is marketed as an energy-metabolism and 'calorie-restriction mimetic' compound, with most interest in fatigue conditions. Human evidence is early and limited.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
chronic fatigue (ME/CFS and post-viral fatigue) Limited Evidence | Uncertain | adults with ME/CFS or long-COVID-type fatigue | Weeks |
chronic fatigue (ME/CFS and post-viral fatigue)
- Effect
- Uncertain
- Best fit
- adults with ME/CFS or long-COVID-type fatigue
- Time
- Weeks
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
chronic fatigue (ME/CFS and post-viral fatigue)
Supplement benefitSmall open-label and uncontrolled studies (some combining oxaloacetate with ascorbate) have reported reductions in fatigue scores in ME/CFS and long-COVID cohorts. These studies generally lacked blinded placebo control or were industry-associated, so the apparent benefit could reflect placebo or natural fluctuation. Rigorous randomized trials are lacking.
Bottom line: Early uncontrolled data hint at a fatigue benefit, but it is unproven and needs controlled trials.
Evidence is mixed
Positive signals come almost entirely from open-label or uncontrolled studies, which are prone to bias; no robust placebo-controlled confirmation exists.
How to take it
What to track
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Who should avoid it
- People wanting established treatments should not rely on it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (no data)
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding; avoid.
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
References by claim
Track Oxaloacetate with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.