The lactate:pyruvate (L:P) ratio is considered a helpful (not diagnostic) tool in the evaluation of patients with possible disorders of mitochondrial metabolism, especially in patients with neurologic dysfunction and either elevated or normal blood lactate levels. Pyruvic acid levels alone have little clinical utility.

The blood lactate to pyruvate ratio is used to distinguish between pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency and other causes of congenital lactic acidosis. In conjunction with an elevated lactate, an L:P ratio greater than 30 suggests inherited disorders of the respiratory chain complex or tricarboxylic acid cycle disorders. In conjunction with an elevated lactate, an L:P ratio less than 25 suggests a defect in pyruvate metabolism. An artificially high L:P ratio can be observed in acutely ill individuals. Abnormal concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, and the L:P ratio are not diagnostic for any single disorder and must be interpreted in the context of the individual's clinical presentation and other laboratory studies.

Lactic acid (Lactate) and pyruvic acid are byproducts of glycolysis. Carbohydrates, which contain glucose, are broken down through glycolysis to form pyruvate and two ATP molecules. Pyruvate can also be generated through the catabolism of various amino acids, including alanine, serine, cysteine, glycine, tryptophan and threonine. Magnesium is an important cofactor for a number of glycolytic enzymes necessary to produce pyruvate. Optimally, pyruvic acid is oxidized to form Acetyl-Co-A to be used aerobically via the Krebs Cycle to produce energy. In an anaerobic state, lactic acid is formed instead.

Formed from pyruvate in anaerobic or oxygen-starved (hypoxic) conditions to allow for ongoing production of ATP.

Formed from pyruvate in anaerobic or oxygen-starved (hypoxic) conditions to allow for ongoing production of ATP.

Formed from pyruvate in anaerobic or oxygen-starved (hypoxic) conditions to allow for ongoing production of ATP.

Lactic Acid and Pyruvic Acid are byproducts of glycolysis. Carbohydrates, which contain glucose, are broken down through glycolysis to form pyruvate and two ATP molecules. Pyruvate can also be generated through the catabolism of various amino acids, including alanine, serine, cysteine, glycine, tryptophan and threonine. Magnesium is an important cofactor for a number of glycolytic enzymes necessary to produce pyruvate. Optimally, pyruvic acid is oxidized to form Acetyl-CoA to be used aerobically via the Citric Acid Cycle to produce energy. In an anaerobic state, lactic acid is formed instead.

- Lactic acid is produced endogenously under anaerobic conditions.

- Main route of lactic acid disposal is conversion to pyruvic acid or excretion via urine.

- Higher urine lactic acid levels have been associated with diabetes, fasting glucose, HOMAIR, IBD, chronic kidney disease, Fanconi syndrome, and age-related macular degeneration.

    » Both L- and D-lactic acids were elevated in diabetes

- Nutrient deficiencies of B1, CoQ10, and/or lipoic acid, have been associated with elevated lactic acid levels in both urine and blood.

- Limited research noting a higher decline of T4 was associated with a low lactic acid, alanine and glycine.

Lactic acid is a microbial metabolite, urinary lactic acid is produced by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter, Acinetobacter, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter frundii, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus group B, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Rhizopus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Lactic acid is a good marker distinguishing lower urinary tract infection (cystitis) from upper urinary tract urinary tract infections (pyelonephritis). Excess of exercise, bacterial overgrowth in the GI tract, B-vitamin deficiency have been shown to be contributing factors. The possibility of an inborn error of metabolism increases when the lactic acid value exceeds 300 mmol/mol creatinine. There are many inborn errors of metabolism that are present with elevated lactic acid, including disorders of sugar metabolism, pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, and mitochondrial disorders.

Lactic Acid and Pyruvic Acid are byproducts of glycolysis. Carbohydrates, which contain glucose, are broken down through glycolysis to form pyruvate and two ATP molecules. Pyruvate can also be generated through the catabolism of various amino acids, including alanine, serine, cysteine, glycine, tryptophan and threonine. Magnesium is an important cofactor for a number of glycolytic enzymes necessary to produce pyruvate. Optimally, pyruvic acid is oxidized to form Acetyl-CoA to be used aerobically via the Citric Acid Cycle to produce energy. In an anaerobic state, lactic acid is formed instead.

Lactic Acid and Pyruvic Acid are byproducts of glycolysis. Carbohydrates, which contain glucose, are broken down through glycolysis to form pyruvate and two ATP molecules. Pyruvate can also be generated through the catabolism of various amino acids, including alanine, serine, cysteine, glycine, tryptophan and threonine. Magnesium is an important cofactor for a number of glycolytic enzymes necessary to produce pyruvate. Optimally, pyruvic acid is oxidized to form Acetyl-CoA to be used aerobically via the Citric Acid Cycle to produce energy. In an anaerobic state, lactic acid is formed instead.

This test measures the level of lactic acid (also known as lactate) in your blood. Lactic acid is the endproduct of the anaerobic metabolism of glucose. The blood lactic acid concentration is affected by its production in muscle cells and erythrocytes and its rate of metabolism in the liver. 

Formed from pyruvate in anaerobic or oxygen-starved (hypoxic) conditions to allow for ongoing production of ATP.

Formed from pyruvate in anaerobic or oxygen-starved (hypoxic) conditions to allow for ongoing production of ATP.

Lactic Acid, measured as part of the "LACTATE/PYRUVATE, FILTRATE" panel by Quest Diagnostics, is a critical biomarker in assessing the metabolic status of an individual, particularly in the context of cellular respiration and energy production.

Lactic acid is produced in the muscles and red blood cells as a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, a process that occurs when oxygen levels are too low to meet the energy demands of the body through aerobic respiration. Under normal physiological conditions, lactic acid is continuously converted to pyruvate, which then enters the Krebs cycle for further energy production in the presence of adequate oxygen.

Lactic acid is a metabolite produced during anaerobic metabolism in muscle cells, especially during intense physical activity. It serves as an energy source, helps maintain blood sugar levels, and plays a critical role in various metabolic processes. Monitoring lactic acid levels in plasma is a vital tool in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions, providing valuable insights into a patient's overall health and metabolic status.

This test measures the level of lactic acid, also known as lactate, in your blood. Lactic acid is a substance made by muscle tissue and by red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Normally, the level of lactic acid in the blood is low.

Lactic acid levels rise when oxygen levels decrease.

Low oxygen levels may be caused by:

- Strenuous exercise
- Heart failure
- Severe infection
- Shock, a dangerous condition that limits blood flow to your organs and tissues

If lactic acid levels get too high, it can lead to a life-threatening condition known as lactic acidosis. A lactic acid test can help diagnose lactic acidosis before it causes serious complications.

Lactobacillus species is a type of bacteria. There are lots of different species of lactobacillus.

Lactobacillus bacteria are commonly found in the human gut, mouth and vagina. They are considered generally as “good bacteria”, and in fact may contribute to good health, often being included in probiotic supplements. These bacteria are characterized by their ability to produce lactic acid as a byproduct of glucose metabolism.

L. acidophilus is a probiotic bacteria that naturally occurs in the human gut and other parts of the body. This bacteria helps the digestive system break down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, measured in CFU/g (Colony Forming Units per gram), is a key biomarker included in the GI Standard Test Panel by US BioTek. This gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium is a vital member of the gut microbiome, primarily residing in the small intestine. It is one of the most well-studied probiotic species and plays a critical role in maintaining gut and overall health.