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Article: Q&A : ADVICE FROM EXPERTS CONVERTING SUGAR INTO ENERGY, LACTIC ACID A MAJOR COMPONENT IN EXERCISE EQUATION.(L.A. LIFE)
- Article from:
- Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)
- Article date:
- August 12, 1996
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1996 Daily News. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What is lactic acid?
Lactic acid naturally builds up in the body when people exercise vigorously. Oxygen is used to convert sugar into energy. When you exercise to the point where you're out of breath, the oxygen level is depleted in the muscle tissues and sugar won't be metabolized completely. At that point, it can only break down to lactic acid.
What affect does lactic acid have on the muscles?
Lactic acid causes a cramping pain, and it feels like it is affecting the entire muscle. For instance, when running, the calves commonly will cramp. You know it is lactic acid pain if the pain is in both calves; when you stop running, the pain will go ...