I am always astonished at the chemical processes that occur within the make up of the human body.
Lactate is just one of them 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 introduced 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 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 broken down even more aerobically to form even more energy. The pyruvate that is not used up transforms chemically into lactate. This can be measured 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 affect performance over time. Tired muscles 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 significantly lessen lactate in the muscles, reducing how long they are tired and performance will increase.
Soccer players also have a dire need for endurance during play, since the sport is very demanding physically. The large muscles of the legs are in always moving, and may not get rid of the pyruvate that is introduced into them during high activity. As the pyruvate is used up for muscle energy, what is left 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 laboratory setting can possibly help to work out the best diet and other things the athlete can take on board to help boost endurance levels and to reduce tired muscles.