Lactic

Lactic acid is an organic compound that plays significant roles in various biochemical processes. It is a white, water-soluble solid that is produced both naturally and synthetically.

Chemistry

Lactic acid is a carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C3H6O3. It is soluble in water and can be produced by fermentation of sugars in the absence of oxygen, a process known as anaerobic respiration.

Production

Lactic acid is produced naturally in the body, particularly during intense exercise, when oxygen levels in the body are low. It is also produced industrially by bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates, or by synthetic processes such as the hydrolysis of lactonitrile.

Uses

Lactic acid has a wide range of uses, including in food preservation and flavouring, as a humectant in cosmetics, and in the production of biodegradable plastics. It is also used in medicine to treat various conditions, including metabolic acidosis and forms of cardiac arrest.

Health effects

In the human body, lactic acid can build up in the muscles during intense exercise, leading to muscle fatigue. However, it is also an important source of energy and can be beneficial in moderate amounts.

See also

• Lactate dehydrogenase
• Lactic acid fermentation
• Lactic acidosis