In this week’s episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman clarifies misconceptions about lactate metabolism, emphasizing that there is no lactic acid in the human body—only lactate.

He explains that lactate is the end product of non-oxidative glycolysis, produced when cells, particularly muscles and red blood cells, require quick ATP energy. Dr. Bikman highlights that lactate production occurs during high-intensity activities where energy demand exceeds the capacity of mitochondria to generate ATP efficiently.

Contrary to popular belief, lactate is not responsible for muscle soreness or fatigue.

Ben delves into the history of lactate research, mentioning key contributors like Otto Meyerhoff, who identified lactate as a product of anaerobic metabolism, and Carl and Gerty Cori, who discovered the Cori cycle. This cycle demonstrates how lactate is recycled by the liver into glucose, which can then be used by muscles for energy. Lactate, once considered a waste product, is now understood to be an essential substrate for gluconeogenesis.

Dr. Bikman introduces George Brooks' lactate shuttle theory, which reveals that lactate is a viable energy source that can be directly utilized by mitochondria for fuel. He explains that this discovery revolutionized the understanding of lactate, showing it can be oxidized within cells for energy production rather than merely being excreted as a waste product.

Dr. Bikman also discusses lactate’s potential in clinical contexts, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery, where lactate can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain when glucose metabolism is impaired. Moreover, he touches on how lactate influences fat cells, promoting mitochondrial uncoupling and aiding in fat burning, contributing to metabolic health. Ben suggests that continuous lactate monitoring could help identify mitochondrial dysfunction and predict type 2 diabetes risk.

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00:00 - Introduction to Lactate Metabolism

01:09 - Lactic Acid vs. Lactate: Debunking the Myth

02:16 - Glycolysis and Lactate Production

04:23 - How Lactate is Produced in Muscles

06:23 - Red Blood Cells and Lactate

07:18 - History of Lactate Research: Otto Meyerhoff

09:40 - The Cori Cycle: Lactate Recycled into Glucose

13:54 - Lactate as a Viable Energy Source

15:55 - George Brooks' Lactate Shuttle Theory

18:44 - Lactate and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

20:55 - Lactate’s Role in Fat Burning and Mitochondria

23:58 - Lactate in Clinical Contexts: Metabolic Health

25:09 - Continuous Lactate Monitoring and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

28:59 - Lactate as a Predictor of Type 2 Diabetes

29:59 - Conclusion: Lactate’s Critical Role in Health and Energy

Ben’s favorite meal-replacement shake: https://gethlth.com (discount: BEN10)

Ben’s favorite electrolytes (and more): https://redmond.life (discount: BEN15)

Ben’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: BEN20)

References:

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The Truth About Lactate: It’s Not What You Think | Dr. Ben Bikman

The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman