What is Lactic Acid?

Milk acid is a chemical compound that is produced as a biproduct of anaerobic glycolysis during intense muscular exertion. When oxygen intake is insufficient to meet energy demands, the body converts glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through a process called anaerobic glycolysis. This pathway produces ATP much faster than aerobic metabolism but also generates milk acid as a byproduct.

Lactic Acid Buildup During Exercise

During high intensity exercise that exceeds the aerobic energy systems capacity, such as sprinting or weightlifting, milk Lactic Acid begins accumulating in the working muscles. This buildup causes a burning sensation in the muscles and contributes to fatigue. The more intense the exercise, the higher the lactate levels will rise. Levels over 4mmol/L in the blood can impair muscle contraction and power output.

Clearing Lactate After Exercise

Once exercise stops, the body works to rapidly clear the accumulated lactate from the muscles and bloodstream. Lactate is shuttled to organs like the liver, heart and slow twitch muscles where it is converted back to pyruvate and can re-enter the Krebs cycle to be used for aerobic ATP production. The fast twitch, lactate producing muscles are now at rest and can utilize oxygen to metabolize lactate. High intensity interval training helps enhance the body's lactate clearing abilities over time.

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