Láctico
Láctico is a term that relates to milk or dairy products. It is derived from the Latin word "lac," meaning milk. In a biological context, lactic acid is a metabolic byproduct produced by muscle cells during strenuous physical activity. This accumulation of lactic acid can contribute to muscle fatigue and soreness. In the food industry, lactic acid is used as an acidifier, preservative, and flavor enhancer in various products, including yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, and pickles. Lactic acid is also produced through the fermentation of lactose, the sugar found in milk, by certain bacteria. This process is fundamental to the production of fermented dairy products. The chemical formula for lactic acid is C3H6O3. It is a chiral molecule, existing in two enantiomeric forms, L-(+)-lactic acid and D-(-)-lactic acid. The L-form is the one predominantly produced in biological systems. The term "láctico" is also used in a broader sense to refer to anything associated with the mammary glands or the production of milk in mammals.