Lactate: From Metabolic Byproduct to Therapeutic Agent

A new paper on the clinical use of hypertonic lactate by researchers from Aarhus University suggests that hypertonic sodium lactate infusions can be successfully applied in multiple therapeutic scenarios, particularly in the fields of cardiology and neurology.

Lactate is a byproduct of cellular metabolism, traditionally associated with physical exercise. However, what is less known about the substance is its therapeutic potential. In their publication, Mette Glavind Bülow Pedersen and her team reviewed, evaluated, and summarised studies on the clinical effects of hypertonic lactate.

They show that lactate is used both in healthy individuals (e.g. before surgeries) and in patients with various conditions. In neurological settings, the substance can serve as an alternative fuel for the brain. In cases of traumatic brain injury, it promotes cognitive recovery, helps reduce intracranial pressure, and increases cerebral glucose availability.

Their meta-study suggests that both healthy individuals and people with type 1 diabetes mellitus experienced fewer hypoglycaemic symptoms when treated with lactate infusions.

Furthermore, lactate benefits patients suffering from heart failure, as it positively affects the heart’s pumping strength. Although many studies provide evidence of the positive effects of hypertonic lactate infusions, the authors emphasise the need for further large-scale trials to ensure that the therapy is optimally dosed and used efficiently. If you would like to know more, read the full article here:

If you would like to know more, read the full article here:

Mette Glavind Bülow Pedersen, Jens Hohwü Voigt, Esben Søndergaard, Niels Møller, Nikolaj Rittig, Clinical Use of Hypertonic Lactate — Current Evidence and Emerging Perspectives, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 110, Issue 9, September 2025, p. e2845–e2851.