Laktaattipitoisuus

Laktaattipitoisuus refers to the concentration of lactate in a biological fluid, most commonly blood. Lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, meaning it is produced when the body's cells, particularly muscle cells, do not receive enough oxygen to produce energy through aerobic respiration. This process is known as the Cori cycle.

In healthy individuals at rest, lactate levels in the blood are typically low, usually between 0.5 and 2.2 millimoles per liter. During strenuous physical activity, lactate production increases as muscles work harder and oxygen demand outstrips supply. This leads to a temporary rise in blood lactate levels. After exercise ceases, lactate is gradually cleared from the blood and converted back to glucose in the liver or used as an energy source by other tissues.

Elevated lactatatepitoisuus can be an indicator of various physiological states or medical conditions. Besides intense exercise, conditions that can cause increased lactate include sepsis, shock, certain medications, and metabolic disorders. Persistent high lactate levels, particularly when not explained by physical exertion, can signify impaired tissue oxygenation or cellular dysfunction and may warrant further medical investigation. Measuring lactataattipitoisuus is a common practice in sports medicine to assess exercise intensity and recovery, as well as in critical care settings to monitor patient status.