Blood lactate concentration ([La −] b) is one of the most often measured parameters during clinical exercise testing as well as during performance testing of athletes.While an elevated [La −] b may be indicative of ischemia or hypoxemia, it may also be a "normal" physiological response to exertion. In response to "all-out" maximal exertion lasting 30-120 seconds, peak [La −] b Lactic acid is mainly produced in muscle cells and red blood cells. It forms when the body breaks down carbohydrates to use for energy when oxygen levels are low. Times when your body's oxygen level might drop include: A test can be done to measure the amount of lactic acid in the blood. Introduction Lactic acid is produced in physiologically normal processes, and as a common finding in disease states. When increased production is comorbid with decreased clearance, the severity of the clinical course escalates. Lactate is the end product of anaerobic metabolism. Lactate is generated mainly in skeletal muscle, brain, erythrocytes, the skin and the gut and is disposed of by gluconeogenesis in the liver and by complete oxidation. Lactic acidosis can be due to excessive lactate formation or decreased removal. It's a test that measures the amount of lactic acid (also called "lactate") in your blood. This acid is made in muscle cells and red blood cells. It forms when your body turns food into Blood lactate levels are elevated in diseases affecting energy metabolism. Lactate is an intermediate product produced in the breakdown of glucose. Its elevation reflects either overuse of the system or a direct block (such as block by pyruvate dehydrogenase or pyruvate carboxylase). Disorders in mitochondrial energy metabolism or fatty acid Overview What is lactic acidosis? Lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid in your bloodstream. It happens when your body produces too much lactic acid and/or can't metabolize enough of the lactic acid it produces. Your liver and kidneys normally clear excess lactic acid from your body. What is Lactate? Lactate is a bi-product constantly produced in the body during normal metabolism and exercise. It does not increase in concentration until the rate of lactate production exceeds the rate of lactate removal which is governed by a number of factors. Lactate is a key energy substrate in skeletal muscle fibers, providing us with sufficient energy during exercise. Lactate increases the number of mitochondria (the energy powerhouses of cells) in muscle cells. Lactate plays a key role in supplying energy for cognitive functioning during exercise. As an important metabolic substrate, lactate is an intercellular and inter-tissue redox signaling molecule that provides energy for oxidative metabolism in many tissues and helps maintain redox NrnfYnY.