v8futures.com

I am surprised at the chemical processes that occur within the make up of the human body.

One of these amazing processes is lactate and is the final end product of the chemical processing of glucose in the body. These levels can be measured by a a number of different analyzers including a glucose analyzer.

As glucose is brought into the body in the form of complex carbohydrates, it is processed by the liver 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 used directly as energy by the cell anaerobically within the mitochondria.  When the pyruvate is not used up by the cell, it can be diluted even more aerobically to form even more energy. Lactate is then produced chemically from whatever pyruvate is not used up. A blood test can be used to measure this 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 work out how their bodies distinguish the hydrogen ions in the muscle that affect performance over time.  Muscle fatigue and even cramping can occur in swimmers’ muscles because of changes in temperature and muscular activity.  Diet plays a crucial role in reducing glycogen intake in the liver, but allowing other carbohydrates to be used in its place.  This can reduce levels of muscle lactate levels, reducing how long they are tired and increasing performance.

For example professional footballers will also have a real requirement 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 going to be present after serious activity levels. As the pyruvate is used up for energy in the muscles, the remaining 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.