Lactic Acidosis & Low Carbohydrates

Lactic acidosis results from the buildup of acid in the blood due to a problem with cellular respiration. Cellular respiration, or the processes involving the production of energy in the cells, is most efficient when there is an adequate supply of oxygen and carbohydrates. An adequate oxygen supply prevents the buildup of lactic acid in the cell and in the blood. Low carbohydrates can result in acidic blood, as a result of increased breakdown of fats for energy.

Cellular Respiration

The first half of cellular respiration requires carbohydrates and occurs without oxygen, but the second half, which is responsible for producing most of the cell's energy, requires lots of oxygen. The initiation of the second half of cellular respiration depends on pyruvate, a molecule produced by the first half of cellular respiration. When carbohydrates are low, the cell has to find another way to make pyruvate; the increase in fat and protein breakdown helps replenish pyruvate, thereby resulting in increased energy production. Without oxygen, more pyruvate is converted to lactic acid, thereby preventing its use in energy production.

Sources of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates obtained from dietary sources may be complex or simple. A carbohydrate is considered simple when it has fewer than three sugars bound together; complex carbohydrates have three or more sugars bound together. Sources of complex carbohydrates include starchy vegetables, legumes, whole-grain breads and cereals. Sources of simple carbohydrates include vegetables, fruits and dairy products.

Low Carbohydrates and Diabetes

Carbohydrates are the preferred form of energy in the body. When carbohydrates are abundant, proteins are best used for cell and tissue growth; fats are mostly stored by the body as energy reserve. In diabetes, there is abnormal carbohydrate metabolism, which prevents the body from using carbohydrates. Prolonged deficiency in carbohydrates and diabetes have the same effect on the body's metabolism; they both result in increased breakdown of proteins and fats.

Management of Lactic Acidosis

Since lactic acidosis results from decreased oxygen supply, addressing this condition must involve the restoration of oxygen supply; low oxygen supply may result from the occlusion, or blockage, of an artery supplying the tissue with oxygen rich blood. Anticoagulants, or drugs that prevent clots, can be used to open up blocked arteries. The blood may also become acidic as a result of decreased ventilation of the lungs, which prevents adequate oxygenation of blood; in this case, preventing lactic acidosis involves the restoration of adequate lung function.