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 range of instruments including a glucose analyzer.

As glucose is brought into the body in the form of complex carbohydrates, it is processed by the liver into a more usable form called glycogen.  This is then transported to the muscle cells of the body, where it is further broken down 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 diluted even more aerobically to form greater levels of energy. Lactate is then produced chemically from whatever pyruvate is not used up. This measurement can be obtained by a blood test 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 over time affect performance.  Muscle fatigue and even cramping can occur in swimmers’ muscles because of changes in temperature and muscular activity.  The right food intake is also vital 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 performance will increase.

For example professional footballers also have a dire need for endurance during play, since the sport is very demanding physically.  The large muscles of the legs are in constant motion, and may not get rid 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.  Problems can occur here manifested as muscle fatigue and also cramping.  Use of a lactate analyser in a lab environment can possibly help to work out the best diet and other beneficial changes that the athlete can make to increase endurance and lessen muscle fatigue.

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