Since it is true that pyruvic acid is a metabolite of sugar, I
have been trying to figure out how a low-sugar diet such as
Anchell's could include potatoes (and rice), since these are
converted directly to glucose.

What I've learned:

An important factor for the utilization of pyruvate is alpha
lipoic acid, which is produced in small amounts in the
mitochondria of cells.  I did some hunting and learned (assuming
this information is reliable) that dietary sources of lipoic acid
include liver, brewer's yeast, and potatoes.  Interestingly, I
also read that lipoic acid can prevent scurvy, and is present in
red meat as well.

So it may be that the reason why one can "get away with" potatoes
on the Anchell diet is that the increased pyruvate load is
accompanied by extra lipoic acid.

Just a thought.

Todd Moody
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