What Is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is an organic carboxylic acid.
In foods are lactic acid used to rescue pH concentration, as flavor enhancement, and to inhibit microbial growth.
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Lactic Acid In Food
Lactic acid is present in many foods both naturally and as a product of fermentation, like sauerkraut and yogurt.
Lactic acid is also a principal metabolic intermediate in most living organisms. (source)
Lactic acid is one of the earliest acids to be used in foods.
Lactic acid functions in pH reduction, flavor enhancement, and microbial inhibition. (source ◳)
Major Fuel Source
Research has shown that lactic acid is the major fuel source for the muscles. (source ◳)
There have been many reports and debates if lactic acid can be the cause of muscle fatigue, reduced performance, and pain.
Normal muscle cells produce lactate all the time.
During intense exercise, there may not be enough oxygen available to complete the process, so extra lactic acid is made.
This can give a sudden sensation in the muscle but will not last or cause long term damage. (source ◳)
You can read about benefits of lactic acid in Lactic Acid: 6 Research-Backed Benefits .