Release Valves and Biomarker Ratios

This chapter discusses the concept of release valves in the cytosol and mitochondria, and how the conversion of pyruvate to lactate and acetoacetate to beta-hydroxybutyrate serve as release valves. It explores the ratios of lactate to pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate to acetoacetate as biomarkers for catabolic breakdown and respiratory chain functioning. The chapter also introduces three patterns to look for when analyzing the biomarkers and discusses the importance of measuring lactate levels and collecting blood and urine samples for analysis.