Where Does Lactic Acid Come From During Vigorous Exercise?
When we perform exercise and exert our muscles, the breathing becomes faster and the working muscles require more oxygen and energy. The energy that the body produces is usually through oxygen but in some cases the energy production needs to be far more and quicker than the way the body gets the oxygen. In such cases, the body produces energy without oxygen through a process called glucolysis. In this process glucose gets broken down into pyruvate and when the body is short on oxygen due to exertion, pyruvate gets converted into lactate which allows the glucose to break down and produce energy. This production of the lactic acid is only temporary. During Exercise Lactic acid plays a significant role in causing fatigue and makes the muscles sore. However, it quickens the metabolism of the body and acts as a useful energy source.