Lactate: A Critical Fuel for the Body

Lactate, once thought to be a waste product that causes fatigue, is actually a critical fuel for the body. This is the main idea presented in the podcast episode. In the 1980s, Dr. George Brooks challenged the common understanding of lactate and proposed the lactate shuttle theory. He found that lactate is not produced excessively during exercise, but rather trained athletes are better at clearing it. In a later review, Dr. Brooks explained how lactate serves as a source of fuel, shuttling between cells and tissues. Interestingly, the episode also explored Dr. Brooks' research on the role of lactate in cancer metabolism. It was suggested that lactate plays a crucial role in cancer survival and growth. Overall, the episode highlights the complexity and importance of lactate as a fuel and its relevance in both athletic performance and cancer research.