Lactic acid is sometimes used interchangeably with lactate, but lactic acid is lactate joined with hydrogen ions.
It is made by muscle tissue and red blood cells during a process that produces energy during physical activity.
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What Is Lactic Acid?
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Lactic acid is a substance made up of lactate and hydrogen ions.
It is a byproduct ofglycolysis, a metabolic process the body uses during intense physical exercise to produce energy.
Blood levels of lactic acid are low when there are adequate oxygen levels.
When oxygen levels are normal, carbohydrates are broken down into water and carbon dioxide.
When oxygen levels drop, carbohydrates are broken down for energy, and lactic acid is formed.
What Does Lactic Acid Do?
This lactate can be recycled and used as energy during intense exercise.
If oxygen levels drop too low for aerobic energy production,anaerobicglycolysis occurs, and lactic acid is produced.
Anaerobic energy productioncannot occur for long periods, so it signals to the body that rest is needed.
This serves as a protective measure against damage to muscles sparked by extreme exertion.
What Is Lactic Acid Build-Up?
While this has the potential to cause damage, the body typically deals with the build-up before problems arise.
Typically this soreness is from tiny tears and cellular damage withinmuscle fibersthat occur as a result of exercise.
This forces you to rest before your body reaches adangerous internal imbalance.
Working to increase your physical fitness and stamina over time can help you exercise harder for longer.
With any exercise routine, start slow and build as you are ready.
If meningitis is suspected, a test for lactate in cerebrospinal fluid may also be performed.
Lactic Acidosis
Very high lactic acid levels can result in a life-threatening condition calledlactic acidosis.
The key in of lactic acidosis depends on the condition that is causing it.
Summary
Lactic acid is a substance made up of lactate and hydrogen ions.
It is primarily produced by muscle tissue and red blood cells.
Lactic acid is produced during strenuous exercise to help withenergy productionwhen oxygen levels are lowered.
The lactic acid build-up is usually temporary and resolves quickly with rest.
Some conditions and medications can lead to dangerously high levels of lactic acid, called lactic acidosis.
Unlike typical lactic acid build-up from exercise, lactic acidosis is life-threatening and requires medical care.
Kaiser Permanente.Lactic acid test.
