Lactic acid

Lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃), organic acid that is the end product of the metabolism of sugar, the formation of which causes milk to sour. Lactic acid is produced in muscles after their cells have broken down glycogen for energy; it is this accumulation of lactic acid that causes muscle fatigue. Blood levels of lactic acid are also elevated in persons with lactic acidosis, diabetes, anemia, leukemia, and other abnormal conditions.

See also: Scheele, Carl Wilhelm.