Medical expert of the article
New publications
Lactic acid (lactate) in the blood
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Lactate (lactic acid) is the final product of glycolysis. In conditions of rest, the main source of lactate in the plasma is red blood cells. When exercising, lactate leaves the muscles, turns into pyruvate in the liver, or is metabolized by the tissue of the brain and the heart. The reference values (norm) of lactate concentration in the blood are reflected in the table.
The concentration of lactate in the blood increases with tissue hypoxia due to a decrease in tissue perfusion or a decrease in the oxygen content in the blood. The accumulation of lactate can reduce the pH of the blood and reduce the concentration of bicarbonate, leading to metabolic acidosis.
Reference values (norm) of lactate concentration in blood
|
Concentration of lactate in the blood | ||
|
Blood |
Mg / dL |
Mmol / l |
|
Venous Arterial |
8.1-15.3 <11.3 |
0.9-1.7 <1.3 |
|
The lactate / pyruvate ratio |
10/1 | |
[