Other names for this ingredient

None

Synopsis of Lactic Acid

History

Lactic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid, has a rich history of medicinal use dating back to ancient civilizations. Traditionally derived from the fermentation of milk and plant-based foods, lactic acid has long been recognized for its beneficial effects on human health. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, physicians and herbalists employed lactic acid as a remedy for digestive ailments, appreciating its ability to support healthy gut flora and improve nutrient absorption. It was commonly included in tonics to aid in the management of gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly in cases of dyspepsia and mild constipation.

Lactic acid has also been praised for its gentle antiseptic properties. Historically, it was used in topical preparations to help cleanse wounds and promote skin health. Its mild acidity made it a favored ingredient in poultices and compresses for soothing irritated or inflamed skin.

In herbal medicine, lactic acid is often combined with probiotic-rich herbs and fermented foods to enhance digestive health. Blends featuring herbs such as fennel, ginger, and chamomile leverage lactic acid’s ability to foster a balanced intestinal environment, supporting overall wellness. Herbalists appreciate lactic acid’s synergistic effects, as it can enhance the bioavailability of certain plant constituents and support the natural fermentation processes that increase the potency of herbal remedies.

Overall, lactic acid’s longstanding role in natural medicine highlights its versatile and positive contributions to health. Its integration into herbal combinations continues to offer gentle, effective support for digestion and skin care, underscoring its value in both traditional and modern wellness practices.

Traditional and scientific validation

Lactic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid, has a long history of use in food and nutrition. Traditionally, it has been employed as a preservative and acidulant in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, contributing both to flavor and to the inhibition of harmful bacteria. Its role in human metabolism is also well established, as it is a byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis, which provides energy during intense physical activity.

Scientific interest in lactic acid has extended to its potential benefits in nutritional products. Some studies have explored its impact on gut health, noting that lactic acid, produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), can support the growth of beneficial microbiota and enhance the gut's barrier function. For example, research published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology has highlighted lactic acid's ability to reduce pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Additionally, lactic acid is often included in sports nutrition products due to its role in energy metabolism and muscle performance. While some claims suggest that lactic acid supplementation may help reduce muscle fatigue, the evidence is still inconclusive and more rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Overall, lactic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities and contributes positively to food safety, palatability, and potentially to gut health. While its direct health benefits in supplement form await further validation, its historical use and emerging scientific findings support its inclusion in nutritional products.

Lactic Acid is used for these health conditions

Acne (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Infection (bacterial) (Scientific)
Skin (infections) (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)

Lactic Acid is used to support these body systems

Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)

Products containing Lactic Acid

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.