I am always astonished at the levels of different chemical processes that the human body can and must take on board.

Just one of these is lactate and is the final end product of the chemical processing of glucose in the body. These levels can be measured by a varying product range including a glucose analyzer.

As glucose is introduced into the body in the form of complex carbohydrates, the liver processes it into a more usable form called glycogen.  This is then transported to the muscle cells of the body, where it is broken down further 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 absorbed by the cell, it can be diluted even more aerobically to form even more energy. The pyruvate that is not used up transforms chemically into lactate. This can be measured by a blood test via a type of biochemistry analyser This can then identify how athletes use their muscles.

Blood samples of athletes, (especially swimmers), are generally taken at intervals during varying activity levels to determine 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.  Eating well also plays a significant role in reducing glycogen intake in the liver, but allowing other carbohydrates to be used in its place.  This can dramatically reduce lactate in the muscles, reducing how long they are tired and increasing performance.

Soccer players also have a dire need for endurance during play, since the sport is very demanding physically.  The large muscles of the legs are in moving constantly, and may not rid themselves of the pyruvate that is going to be present after serious activity levels. As the pyruvate is used up for energy in the muscles, what is left 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 working laboratory can possibly help to work out the best diet and other beneficial changes that the athlete can make to increase endurance and lessen muscle fatigue.