Why Lactate is A Vital Measurement In Athletes

I am amazed at the chemical processes that occur within the make up of the human body.

One of these amazing processes is lactate and is the final end product of the chemical processing of glucose in the body. These levels can be measured by a varying product range including a glucose analyzer.

As glucose is brought into the body in the form of complex carbohydrates, the liver processes it into a more usable form called glycogen.  This is then distributed and channeled to the muscle cells of the body, where it is broken down further into a chemical known as pyruvate. This chemical can be directly used as energy by the cell anaerobically within the mitochondria.  When the pyruvate is not absorbed by the cell, it can be broken down even more aerobically to form greater levels of energy. The pyruvate that is not used up transforms chemically into lactate. A blood test can be used to measure this via a type of biochemistry analyser This can then work out how the muscles work in an athlete.

Blood samples of athletes, (especially swimmers), are generally taken at intervals during varying activity levels to determine how their bodies distinguish the hydrogen ions in the muscle that affect performance over time.  Muscle fatigue and even cramping can occur in swimmers’ muscles due to the temperature variants and muscular activity.  Diet plays a crucial role in reducing glycogen intake in the liver, but allowing other carbohydrates to be used in its place.  This can dramatically reduce lactate in the muscles, reducing fatigue times and increasing performance.

Soccer players will also have a real requirement for endurance during play, since the game itself is physically demanding.  The large muscles of the legs are in constant motion, and may not rid themselves of the pyruvate that is introduced into them during high activity. As the pyruvate is used up for energy in the muscles, the remaining that is not is turned into lactate.  This can cause problems manifested as muscle fatigue and also cramping.  Use of a lactate analyser in a lab environment can lead to determining the right diet and other things the athlete can take on board to help boost endurance levels and to reduce tired muscles.