What is lactate and lactic acid, and how do they differ? According to Dr. Chad Waterbury, lactate is formed when the two enzymes pyruvate and NADH come into interference with the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. This can also be found in an article on Scientific American, by Stephen M. Roth. Roth states that when we lift, our body will require energy faster than it can produce. Because of this, the muscles being worked will generate energy anaerobically, or without oxygen. In this process, glucose is needed to be broken down, which is when lactate is needed. Since this is happening, there is an increase of lactate, which leads to larger amounts of acid on the muscle cells.
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Dr. Waterbury mentions a study done by Robert Robegrs, that states that lactic acid, on the other hand, is not even formed on the muscle. One thing I was a bit upset with, was my second source, Scientific American, failed to mention any information on lactic acid, and was very brief on the word similarity of lactate meaning lactic acid build up.
Below is a video by Andy Galpin that is quick and easy to understand how the process to form lactate works.
Dr. Waterbury concludes that it is a very common misunderstanding that lactate is the reason behind the "burning sensation" during workouts. He mentions that we should actually be considering lactate a benefit during our workouts, because it also tells our bodies that it is safe to keep pushing. Although Waterbury makes his claim, Roth provides information that the lactate is responsible for the burning feeling we experience during the exercises, just not the soreness followed by the next few days. Dr. Waterbury most likely would have a good chance at winning this debate, and could provide several sources. Stephen Roth did not have a very long and informing article, so he would probably be offered some good knowledge provided by Dr. Waterbury.
Although these articles informed me on lactate, I still am at a loss for the reason behind DOMS. Even with this information, I am going to have to dig even deeper into the knowledge of biology and chemistry. I've come to realize that my original question has shifted a lot, but I am learning so much more than I expected. I'm curious as to how researches measure lactate and the build up on muscles? If it was true that lactate is not the cause of the quick pain we experience while at the gym, then what is? I'm now questioning if there is any reason behind this? Like, do our muscles just feel this pain because they are not being used this way every second of everyday?
Cassidy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the information you provided on this. I definitely learned something new. I had no idea that lactate had anything to do with the pain we might experience during a workout. When it comes to the soreness we feel the next day, do you think it's because we tear our muscles during a workout? In my understanding, we tear our muscles which in turn makes them grow. The myofibrils tear in half, multiplying the amount by 2. But like everything, they need to repair. Do you think this is why we are so sore? I wonder if the more strain you put on a muscle and tear it, the more and longer it will hurt. Looking forward to seeing what you find next!
Cassidy,
ReplyDeleteHey there again, your topic seems to be taking a dive into deep waters and discovering more and more useful information. I never knew there was so much behind muscle soreness. It also makes me wonder the same as you, what causes soreness and why do we get sore. Your initial question seems to still be up in the air. May I suggest researching what happens during recovering periods? I'm sure there is much information that may help connect the dots.