a byproduct of anaerobic exercise that accumulates in the muscles, causing pain and fatigue. “Lactic acid buildup (technically called acidosis) can cause burning pain, especially in untrained muscles. Lactic acid accumulation can lead to muscle exhaustion within seconds if the blood cannot clear it away. A strategy for dealing with lactic acid buildup is to relax the muscles at every opportunity, so that the circulating blood can carry the lactic acid away and bring oxygen to support aerobic metabolism. …much of the lactic acid is routed to the liver, where it is converted to glucose. A little lactic acid remains in muscle tissue, where it is completely oxidized when the oxygen supply is once again sufficient.” Understanding Nutrition, 5th ed., Whitney, Hamilton, Rolfes, West Publishing Co. 1990, pg 402-403.
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