What is the normal range for lactic acid?

Normal Range

* Arterial or capillary whole blood: 0.5 to 2.2 mmol/L

* Adults 0.5-1.5 mmol/L

* Children 0.5-2.2 mmol/L

* Venous plasma or serum 0.5-2.0 mmol/L

Lactic acid is a weak organic acid that is produced in small amounts by cells in the body as a byproduct of normal metabolism. Lactic acid is also found in some foods, such as yogurt and cheese. In the blood, lactic acid levels are usually between 0.5 and 2.0 mmol/L.

Increased Lactic Acid Levels

Increased lactic acid levels can be a sign of a variety of medical conditions, including:

* Tissue hypoxia: This occurs when there is not enough oxygen available to tissues. Tissue hypoxia can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and sepsis.

* Renal failure: This occurs when the kidneys are not able to properly filter waste products from the blood. Renal failure can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases.

* Liver disease: This occurs when the liver is not able to properly process lactic acid. Liver disease can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

* Certain medications: Some medications, such as metformin and niacin, can cause lactic acidosis.

* Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and cancer, can increase lactic acid levels.

* Lactic acidosis: Lactic acidosis is a condition that occurs when there is too much lactic acid in the blood. Lactic acidosis can be a serious medical condition that can lead to death if not treated properly.

Symptoms of Lactic Acidosis

Symptoms of lactic acidosis can include:

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Abdominal pain

* Weakness

* Fatigue

* Confusion

* Seizures

* Coma

Diagnosis of Lactic Acidosis

Lactic acidosis is diagnosed with a blood test that measures lactic acid levels.

Treatment of Lactic Acidosis

The treatment of lactic acidosis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

* Intravenous fluids

* Sodium bicarbonate

* Insulin

* Dialysis