Laktatkonzentrationen

Laktatkonzentrationen, commonly referred to as lactate levels, represent the amount of lactate present in the blood or other bodily fluids. Lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, a process that occurs when the body's cells, particularly muscle cells, are deprived of sufficient oxygen. During intense physical activity, when oxygen demand exceeds supply, cells resort to anaerobic glycolysis to produce energy, resulting in elevated lactate levels.

Measuring laktatkonzentrationen is a valuable tool in sports science and medicine. In sports, it is used to assess an athlete's training status, determine optimal training zones, and monitor recovery. High lactate levels can indicate overexertion or inadequate recovery, while lower levels might suggest improved fitness. In a clinical setting, elevated laktatkonzentrationen can be a marker for various conditions, including sepsis, shock, and certain metabolic disorders. Persistently high lactate levels are often associated with poor prognosis in critically ill patients. The normal range for blood lactate in healthy individuals at rest is typically between 0.5 and 2.2 millimoles per liter. Factors such as exercise intensity, duration, hydration status, and individual metabolic characteristics can influence these levels.