Lactate

Lactate is a byproduct of your metabolism — it rises when your body shifts into anaerobic mode (think sprinting, intense lifting, or stress). While it’s often seen as a fatigue marker, lactate is also recycled as fuel, especially by the brain and heart. Chronically elevated levels can suggest overtraining, poor mitochondrial function, hypoxia, or metabolic dysfunction. Used correctly, it's a powerful marker of cellular efficiency and recovery status.

Unit

mg/dL

Health impacts

Recovery · Energy