Why does lactic acid build up in muscles? And why does it cause soreness?

Answer 1

During intense exercise, such as sprinting type activities, when the rate of demand for energy is high, lactate is produced faster than the ability of the tissues to remove it and lactate concentration begins to rise. This is a beneficial process since the regeneration of NAD+ ensures that energy production is maintained and exercise can continue. Contrary to popular belief, this increased concentration of lactate does not directly cause acidosis, nor is it responsible for muscle pain or "burning". This is because lactate itself is not capable of releasing a proton, and secondly, the acidic form of lactate (lactic acid) cannot be formed under normal circumstances in human tissues. Analysis of the glycolytic pathway in humans indicates that there are not enough hydrogen ions present in the glycolytic intermediates to produce lactic or any other acid.

The acidosis that is associated with increases in lactate concentration during heavy exercise arises from a separate reaction. When ATP is hydrolysed, a hydrogen ion is released. ATP-derived hydrogen ions are primarily responsible for the decrease in pH. During intense exercise, oxidative metabolism (aerobic) cannot produce ATP quickly enough to supply the demands of the muscle. As a result, glycolysis (i.e. anaerobic metabolism) becomes the dominant energy producing pathway as it can form ATP at high rates. Due to the large amounts of ATP being produced and hydrolysed in a short period of time, the buffering systems of the tissues are overcome, causing pH to fall and creating a state of acidosis. This may be one factor, among many, that contributes to the acute muscular discomfort experienced shortly after intense exercise.

Although it is not firmly established, it is possible that lactate may contribute to an acidotic effect via the strong ion difference, however this has not been well investigated in exercise physiology research and so its contribution is still uncertain.

Answer 2

Yes, it is. Lactobacillic acid will do that -- BUT -- you can greatly reduce the effect by doing a careful cool down after you work out. The gentle, slow movements that you do during the cool down, along with the regular breathing, helps to reduce the buildup and the soreness the next day. So do your workout, work hard, get the full benefit from what you are doing, then take 15-20 minutes to cool down. You'll find your body looks forward to this after you've done it a few times, and you'll end your workout feeling great. Best part is, you'll feel great the next day too. And of course, you know that it's best to focus on different muscle groups each day, rather than just pound one muscle group day after day. If you are on a formal exercise program, your program leader will probably be aware of all this, but it never hurts to check! Good for you for starting the program, and good luck in sticking with it. If you can hang in there for 40 days, it becomes a life-style habit -- and that's a good thing!

Answer 3

Lactic acid forms when you work your muscles to the point to tearing them apart. And the lactic acid causes soreness because its acid on the muscles. Stretching spreads out the acid and causes relief.

Answer 4

Lactic acid (acid in sour milk)is formed in muscles when they are exercised disproportionate to the speed with which they can metabolise glycogen.ie when oxygen supply to muscles is lesser than needed.The acid causes soreness.

Answer 5

Lactic acid builds up due to lack of oxygen in the ATP energy cycles during exercise. The lactic acid occurs in the absence of oxygen in your muscles which are necessary to carry these acids away. As to why it makes you sore, used to know, now i haven't the foggiest idea. Three sites that can be very helpful,
1. http://www.wkipedia.org (look up "lactic acid" i find this site to be best for information)

2. http://www.howstuffworks.com

3. http://www.about.com

Answer 6

It's a waste product of energy consumption in the muscle. Because it accumulates in the muscle, it creates the sensation of tiredness. Soreness is related more to overextension of muscle fibers.

Muscles do not have a very efficient means of ridding themselves of lactic acid, so it takes awhile to rid the tissue of it.

Answer 7

it build up to help aid the muscles and it causes soreness because it is an ACID so what u feel is the acid burning

Answer 8

Lactic acid is produced as a reult of anaerobic respiration. As it is an acid, it lowers the pH of the blood and needs to be removed. Acids are corrosive.

Answer 9

when you over-exercise and your muscles dont' have enough oxygen to metabolise glycogen into energy - it undergoes 'anaerobic respiration'. That is, it tries to metabolise nutrients in your body without oxygen. The by-product of this is lactic acid.

Answer 10

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