Used as a stable isotope-labeled compound in metabolic research to trace the fate of pyruvate in cellular pathways. Enables monitoring of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the citric acid cycle in isotopic labeling studies. Commonly applied in cancer metabolism studies, where altered pyruvate utilization is observed. Facilitates non-radioactive tracing in NMR and mass spectrometry analyses, providing high sensitivity and accuracy in tracking metabolic flux. Also used in cell culture media to support cell growth while allowing real-time tracking of energy metabolism.