Lactic acid – role, application. Testing the concentration of lactic acid

Proven content

Lactic acid is a product of the process of carbohydrate transformation – anaerobic glycolysis. It is a sensitive parameter indicating ischemia of peripheral tissues. Among other things, lactic acid testing is performed when lactic acidosis or glucose disorders are suspected.

Lactic acid – characteristics

Lactic acid is a product of carbohydrate metabolism, which is a sensitive parameter used in the diagnosis of certain ailments. It is of great prognostic importance in acute diseases with shock, among others, and increases also in people who abuse alcohol and take certain medications. This substance is acidic, and consequently during the excessive formation of lactic acid, the pH of the system decreases. As you know, thanks to the appropriate pH of the body, various biochemical processes can take place.

Before the glucose molecules are oxidized, they go through the glucose process, which is characterized by the division into two three-carbon molecules, which are then transformed. For these processes to take place, oxygen is needed. In the absence of it, our body looks for other ways to cope and produces energy in a different way (without oxygen). This process is less efficient and results in the formation of lactic acid molecules. Thus, a blood test shows the presence of lactic acid in it.

The resulting lactic acid is transported to the liver, where the lactic acid molecules are utilized and glucose is formed in the blood.

Excessive production of lactic acid is observed in people taking selected drugs, e.g. metformin, which inhibit the synthesis of new glucose molecules in the liver.

Also check: Lactic acid shows how old your brain is

When do we do the lactic acid test?

Lactic acid testing is performed in the case of frequent diseases and ailments.

1. Suspicion of lactic acidosis – in the course of diabetes mellitus, cardiogenic shock, septic shock, heart failure, respiratory failure.

2. Diagnosis of the differentiation of lactic acidosis.

3. Poisoning with ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, carbon monoxide, cyanides, salicylates.

4. Suspicion of congenital glucose disorders.

5. Forecasting the severity of the disorder. The higher the level of lactic acid, the lower the patient’s chances of returning to homeostasis.

6. The test is also performed in sports medicine. It allows you to determine the value of lactic acid before and after training, which facilitates its optimal planning. In addition, it is worth remembering that lactic acid is normally produced by anaerobically working muscles.

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Lactic acid – lactic acid concentration test

Lactic acid test material: serum.

Preparation for the test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).

The course of the lactic acid test: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm.

Time to wait for the result: 1 Day.

Standard: less than 1,3 mmol / l.

Lactic acid is produced by the metabolism of glucose in the muscles. Under normal conditions, it is broken down in the liver. Increased production and disturbances in utilization of lactic acid are observed in the case of damage to rich-cellular organs or as a result of tissue hypoxia.

There are two types of lactic acidosis: type A – resulting from oxygen deficiency (shock, anemia, impaired blood oxygenation in the lungs, disorders of the structure and function of hemoglobin, ventilation or diffusion disorders, convulsions, exercise, hypothermia) and type B resulting from acid poisoning or drugs for the treatment of diabetes and impaired lactic acid utilization.

Find out more: Metabolic acidosis – what is it and how to prevent it?

Lactic acid and bacteria

Bacteria are used to ferment lactic acid Bifidobacterium from the family Bifidobacteriaceae and Bacillales i Lactobacillales from the cluster Firmicutes. Bacteria of the genus are used in most cases Lactobacillus, Lactococcus i Streptococcus. If we are dealing with bacteria that produce only lactic acid, they are referred to as homofermenative bacteria, and if they are additionally responsible for the production of other substances such as, for example, formic acid, acetic acid or ethanol, they are referred to as heterofermentative bacteria.

You should know that lactic acid bacteria occur naturally in plants such as grapes (they are responsible for the production of wine) in milk, as well as in the digestive tract of animals and humans. Bacteria that inhabit our body change their composition and quantity along with the accompanying factors, such as: previous infections, chronic diseases or pharmacotherapy. Bacteria, however, are not only found in the digestive tract (the most important species include: Lactobacillus Romanian, L. salivary, L. gasseri, L. reuteri and Bifidobacterium longum and B. short), but their presence is noticeable, for example in the genital tract or in the large intestine.

It should also be mentioned that some lactic acid bacteria are among the probiotics. When given in the right amount, they can have a positive effect on our body and it is most often about adherence to the intestinal epithelium. They are in competition with pathogenic bacterial microflora. Bacteria are also responsible for the production of bacteriocin, which limits the growth of pathogens and has a positive effect on the human immune system. At Medonet Market you can buy high-quality probiotics to rebuild the intestinal microflora.

It is worth adding that lactic acid bacteria are used in the production of dairy products (e.g. yoghurts, cheeses or by breaking down lactose, fermented drinks) and pickling cucumbers, olives and cabbage. Lactic acid bacteria are also involved in the production of wine, where they are responsible for the apple-lactic acid fermentation.

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Lactic acid – in food

Lactic acid in food can be found, for example, in dairy products such as yoghurts, curdled milk, etc. It is formed as a result of the fermentation of sugars, and in the case of dairy products, lactose. However, it is worth adding that Lactic acid is not found in UHT milkbecause bacteria Lactobacillus, which are a natural source of lactic acid, are lost in the pasteurization process.

Lactic acid is also produced during the fermentation of cabbage and cucumbers as a result of the fermentation of fructose in these vegetables and is responsible for their specific taste. Interestingly, lactic acid is used as an acidity regulator and has the designation E-270.

Other food products containing lactic acid bacteria or lactic acid itself include, among others: kimchi, bread leaven, wine, soy sauce, miso, tempeh.

Lactic acid – sourdough

Every professional athlete or person who has decided to start any intense physical training has learned or will know this specific and rather unpleasant feeling of sore arms, legs and the rest of the body that will make it difficult for her to move in the next days. Such a condition is commonly called “sourdough”, the name itself refers to the factor responsible for these ailments, that is lactic acid.

Sourdough occurs when the body is forced to breathe faster to supply the muscles with more oxygen. In the case of really hard and exhausting training, the lungs are not able to cover all needs with the breath, and this is when the muscles start working in the anaerobic system. In other words, to obtain energy, muscles mainly use glucose in the blood, which is broken down into a substance called pyruvate. In the case of lack of oxygen, this substance is converted into lactate, i.e. the salt of lactic acid, which begins to accumulate in the tissue.

It is worth describing here what the defense of our body looks like against excessive effort, which in extreme cases can cause muscle damage. The concentration of lactate in the tissue increases the acidity of the muscle cells, which reduces their potential for action. This is due to a disturbance in the mechanism of glucose metabolism. Then we also feel the fatigue of the limbs, and our body must slow down.

When this happens, the oxygen level begins to regulate again and the lactate changes back to the pyruvate needed for more energy. It’s worth knowing that they are alone soreness lasts up to 24 to 72 hours after training and is not related to the accumulation of lactic acid in the tissuesas it has already returned to its original level. According to specialists, pain associated with soreness results from microdamages in the muscle tissue caused by overload during training.

It is worth knowing that the OS1st CS6 calf compression bandage reduces the risk of cramps by reducing the amount of lactic acid in the tissues. Therefore, it is worth using it during training, and also after it. The band is available on Medonet Market in the following colors: white, black, blue, gray, pink and yellow.

However, you should not be afraid of sourdoughs, because they are a natural and completely harmless process taking place in our body. However, we should avoid too intense physical exertion, because the muscles staying in an acidic environment for too long can damage, which we will feel when experiencing numerous injuries. Therefore, there is an opinion supported by numerous scientific studies that you should observe your body during training and provide it with a sufficiently long time to regenerate.

The key role here is also played by the right level of hydration, improvement of breathing techniques (with particular emphasis on increasing the volume of the lungs), and above all, alternating anaerobic training (with a load) with aerobic training, which is less burdensome for the muscles.

Read more about it: Sourdoughs – causes, symptoms, methods for sourdough

Lactic acid and athletes

In the case of training performed by athletes, the key is to determine the severity of the exercises. For this, the so-called lactate threshold. It is nothing more than the intensity of exercise, beyond which the muscles work with strength, obtaining energy anaerobically with the formation of lactic acid. Athletes try to exercise in such a way that their training is optimal for the development of physical efficiency and fitness.

Workouts that require enormous, inhuman effort are inadvisable, because such pushing may reduce the efficiency of the body.

Do you train Here are the five most common injuries that can happen to you when you play sports

Lactic acid in cosmetics

The use of lactic acid as a cosmetic is considered by some to be an excellent invention because it is cheap, good and of natural origin. Lactic acid is used in skin care. Thanks to its properties, it perfectly moisturizes, regenerates and stimulates exfoliation of dead epidermis. We especially recommend a cleansing face tonic with lactic, glycolic and citric acid 5% Green Laboratory, which exfoliates the epidermis and has antibacterial properties. You can also try the RITUAL CARE Sensilis Gentle Facial Cleansing Gel, which also contains lactic acid.

Lactic acid is also part of soaps with antibacterial and antiviral properties. On Medonet Market you will find:

1. Antibacterial lavender liquid soap with Naturaphy aloe vera extract,
2. Naturaphy antibacterial liquid soap with aloe vera extract,
3. Antibacterial lemon liquid soap with Naturaphy aloe vera extract.

Taking into account the fact that lactic acid is found naturally in our body – its use is completely safe.

Other properties of lactic acid include:

1. it is a natural UV filter, which protects our skin against water loss and drying,
2. has antibacterial properties (supports the elimination of blackheads),
3. deeply cleanses the skin,
4. allows you to remove discoloration,
5. reduces the risk of wrinkles,
6. facilitates the fight against acne and pimples,
7. allows you to maintain the proper pH of the skin,
8. affects the collagen in the skin, improves its elasticity,
9. soothes irritations after cosmetic procedures,
10. facilitates the absorption of other cosmetics,
11. increases the level of glycosaminoglycans,
12. protects the skin against water loss,
13. brightens discoloration.

Due to the above properties, lactic acid is used, among others, as a body lotion. It is enough to mix the right amount of water with lactic acid to obtain a satisfactory consistency. Lactic acid is available in various concentrations, but it is best to start with the lowest concentration and experiment with the others over time. It is important to keep the right proportions (one teaspoon of lactic acid with three tablespoons of water).

In addition, lactic acid can be added to ready-made cosmetics (creams, milks) to improve their moisturizing properties. Some people make a special hair rinse from lactic acid. It makes the hair lighter, more moisturized and fresh. In addition, the effect of lactic acid on the scalp stimulates faster hair growth and strengthens it at the roots. Just be careful not to get the substance into your eyes.

Lactic acid is also used as a tonic for the daily care of all skin types. It turns out that lactic acid has the ideal properties to be a component of tronica, as it restores the natural pH of the skin, and secondly, it dissolves in water and has moisturizing properties, which makes it very well suited for skin hydration. For this purpose, a cream should be applied to damp skin before it dries up. Try the Sylveco marital cleansing foam with the addition of lactic acid, which, in addition to regulating the pH level, also softens the skin and prevents it from premature aging. You can order it at medonetmarket.pl.

Its third feature is exfoliation of the skin, which makes it better prepared to receive active ingredients from subsequent products applied to it. It is also worth mentioning that there is nothing to prevent you from making the tonic yourself instead of buying it. One way is to measure out about 100ml of water and then add 2ml of lactic acid to it. Thanks to this, we have just created a two percent tonic containing lactic acid. The second way is to mix certain products together, i.e. sodium lactate, triple hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, urea and orange water. We have to mix everything up properly.

People with sensitive, dry and combination skin can also benefit from lactic acid, and more precisely from a peeling containing this chemical compound. This is due to the aforementioned properties of lactic acid, namely exfoliation and moisturizing. Thanks to the regular use of lactic acid peeling, we will remove dead epidermis, clean the pores, smooth the skin and increase its level of hydration. It is recommended to use lactic acid peeling 2 to 3 times a week.

It should also be added that, as in the case of a tonic, we can perform a lactic acid peeling at home. For this we will have to mix 100 ml of water and 20 ml of lactic acid (80%). Apply the prepared mixture to the cleansed skin with a cotton pad and leave it for about 2 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with plenty of cold water. The solution should be applied to places where previously there was an oiling cream or algae mask.

Lactic acid is one of the ingredients of the ORIGIN PRO EGF-5 Growth Factor Serum, Sensilis Global Rejuvenating Treatment, available at a promotional price on Medonet Market.

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Can anyone use lactic acid?

Although lactic acid is suitable for virtually all skin types, there is a group of people for whom the use of lactic acid is rather contraindicated. Some caution is advised with allergy sufferers, especially those sensitive to AHA acids. Lactic acid is average for couperose skin, people with broken capillaries and skin inflammation should use it. The same applies to people with delicate skin and psoriasis (concentrated lactic acid is a highly irritating substance).

When preparing cosmetics from lactic acid, be careful with your hands. It is best to do this with a special tool to protect the skin of the hands. Lactic acid cosmetics should not be left on the skin for more than five minutes. After this time, rinse the body thoroughly with water. If in doubt, consult a dermatologist who will assess whether lactic acid is the right cosmetic for your skin.

Lactic acid – hygiene of intimate places

It is worth adding that lactic acid is also used to protect intimate areas. It makes the sensitive vaginal flora regenerate and prevents fluctuations in the pH balance in the sexual organs. Lactic acid is a natural probiotic that fights intimate infections. To get preparations with lactic acid, we can go to the doctor, but we can also get them at the pharmacy and we do not need any prescriptions.

Among the most popular preparations containing lactic acid, we can include probiotics in oral tablets and vaginal capsules.

Read more about it: Vaginal probiotics – characteristics and indications

Lactic acid – where to buy it and what is its price?

The price of lactic acid depends on the size of the container and may vary between PLN 10. In turn, when it comes to the availability of lactic acid, this is you can easily buy it in natural cosmetics and herbal stores. Lactic acid is also sold in pharmacies where ready-made cosmetic and medical preparations containing lactic acid are available.

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