Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha polylactate
For the health condition: Endurance (lack of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha polylactate (often marketed as a compound of lactic acid and minerals, such as in the brand name "Lactate™" or "E-Lyte™") has been investigated for its potential role in supporting exercise endurance. The theoretical basis is that alpha polylactate provides an alternative, more efficiently metabolized energy substrate compared to carbohydrates or simple sugars, and may help buffer acid buildup during intense exercise. A few small studies from the late 1990s and early 2000s (notably by researchers like D. L. Costill and J. O. Holloszy) suggested that polylactate supplementation could extend time to exhaustion or improve performance in endurance athletes, possibly by providing a source of lactate that active muscles can oxidize for energy.

However, the overall body of evidence is limited in both size and quality. Most studies have small sample sizes, and results are mixed—several show modest improvements in endurance, while others show no significant benefit over carbohydrate or placebo. There is no large-scale, high-quality meta-analysis confirming a robust effect. Thus, while the use of alpha polylactate for endurance is based on some scientific rationale and early experimental evidence, the clinical relevance and magnitude of its effect remain uncertain. It is not a traditional remedy but rather a modern, science-driven supplement with limited validation.

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Other health conditions supported by Alpha polylactate

Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Fatigue
Wounds and Sores

Products containing Alpha polylactate

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