How to use lactate

Lactate in cord blood and its relation to fetal gluconeogenesis in at term deliveries

“…Fetal anaerobic metabolism with the development of metabolic acidosis is recognized as having a low pH with a high base excess (BE) at birth [2]. An alternative method to estimate the fetal 'oxygen debt' is lactate (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) concentration, an end product in glucose anaerobic metabolism [3][4][5]. Experimental animal data have suggested that lactate concentration is better than pH in predicting hypoxic process and neonatal morbidity [6].…”

A new microdialysis probe for continuous lactate measurement during fetal monitoring: Proof of concept in an animal model

“…11 To measure fetal lactate, blood sampling from the fetal scalp can be performed during labor as a single or repeated procedure. 12 There is evidence suggesting that measurement of lactate is more feasible than of pH. 13,14 We developed a microdialysis probe integrated into a fetal scalp CTG electrode allowing continuous measurement of lactate and giving instant information about the oxygenation status of the fetus (European Patent No.…”

Lactate, rather than ketones, may provide alternative cerebral fuel in hypoglycaemic newborns

“…Lactate is continually produced by many tissues, including within the brain parenchyma by astrocytes, and can be a critical fuel for brain metabolism when oxygenation is adequate 4 5. It protects cognitive function and reduces counter-regulatory responses during insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in adults 6.…”