Dmelkzuur

D-melkzuur, or D-lactic acid, is the dextrorotatory enantiomer of lactic acid, a 2-hydroxypropanoic acid. It shares the same chemical formula as its mirror image, C3H6O3, but differs in stereochemistry. The D- and L- forms have distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties.

In nature, D-lactic acid is produced by certain lactic acid bacteria during carbohydrate fermentation. It is less common in human metabolism, where most endogenous lactate is the L-form produced by skeletal muscle and other tissues under anaerobic conditions. The D-enantiomer can accumulate in specific contexts, such as certain bacterial overgrowth or dietary intake of D-lactate-containing substances.

Metabolism of D-lactic acid in humans proceeds more slowly than that of the L-form. When D-lactate accumulates, it can contribute to a metabolic imbalance and, in susceptible individuals, lead to D-lactic acidosis. This condition is relatively rare but has been described in patients with short bowel syndrome or severe intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and it can present with neurological symptoms such as ataxia, slurred speech, confusion, or reduced alertness.

Industrial and commercial relevance includes its use in the production of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymers, where the ratio of D- to L-lactic acid determines material properties such as crystallinity, melting point, and strength. D-lactic acid is also employed in certain pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, typically as part of enantiomerically enriched or racemic preparations.

Overall, D-melkzuur is a stereoisomeric form of lactic acid with specific biological and industrial roles, distinct from the more common L-lactic acid found in human metabolism.