Lactate Supplementation

Lactate supplementation, as discussed by Rhonda Patrick and George Brooks, involves using specific forms of lactate due to their different properties and effects. The supplementation could be particularly beneficial in medical settings or during physical activities, leveraging the body's natural use of lactate as a fuel source.

Key Points on Lactate Supplementation:

1. Forms of Lactate: There's a distinction between L-lactate and D-lactate. L-lactate is beneficial and utilized by the body, whereas D-lactate is neurotoxic and not easily transported into cells 1.

2. Applications in Medical Settings: L-lactate is especially considered for supplementation in individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to mitigate energy crises by providing an alternative fuel source when glucose usage is impaired 2.

3. Neuroprotective Effects:

   • Supplementing lactate could spare glucose, thus allowing for antioxidant production to prevent further damage from reactive oxygen species in the brain following injury 3.
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       Lactate Supplementation

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       Lactate Infusion

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       Lactate and Energy

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       Lactate and Neurodegeneration

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       Lactate and Glucose

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   • Lactate might also be useful in treating or managing neurodegenerative diseases by improving mitochondrial function and supporting neuronal energy needs 4.

4. Energy Utilization: Lactate is a preferred energy source over glucose in the heart, and brain, particularly during exercise or after high-energy demands 5.

5. Delivery Methods: Various formulations using different carriers for lactate (like sodium or arginyl lactate) are explored, mainly for intravenous application in clinical settings 1.

Lactate plays multiple physiological roles, acting not only as an energy source but also potentially as a neuroprotective agent. It's transported into the body through various carriers and can be used effectively under specific conditions, especially related to energy crises and brain health.