glossary

lactic acid

Definition lactic acid

lactic acid

lactic acid a com[ound that froms in the cells as the end-product of glucose metabolism in the absence of oxygen (see glycolysis). During streuous exeercise pyruvic acid is reduced to lactic acid (owing to its low PH) is an important food preservative. The lactic acid produced by the fermentation of milk is responsible for the preservaton and flavour of cheese, yoghurt, and other fermented milk products.