biostudies-literatureBrooks GANIA NIH HHSUniversity of California446-460https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7498672biostudies-literatureUnknown9(5)Once thought to be a waste product of oxygen limited (anaerobic) metabolism, lactate is now known to form continuously under fully oxygenated (aerobic) conditions. Lactate shuttling between producer (driver) and consumer cells fulfills at least 3 purposes; lactate is: (1) a major energy source, (2) the major gluconeogenic precursor, and (3) a signaling molecule. The Lactate Shuttle theory is applicable to diverse fields such as sports nutrition and hydration, resuscitation from acidosis and Dengue, treatment of traumatic brain injury, maintenance of glycemia, reduction of inflammation, cardiac support in heart failure and following a myocardial infarction, and to improve cognition. Yet, dysregulated lactate shuttling disrupts metabolic flexibility, and worse, supports oncogenesis. Lactate Journal of sport and health scienceThe tortuous path of lactate shuttle discovery: From cinders and boards to the lab and ICU.PMC7498672R01 AG059715Brooks GAfalseThe tortuous path of lactate shuttle discovery: From cinders and boards to the lab and ICU.Once thought to be a waste product of oxygen limited (anaerobic) metabolism, lactate is now known to form continuously under fully oxygenated (aerobic) conditions. Lactate shuttling between producer (driver) and consumer cells fulfills at least 3 purposes; lactate is: (1) a major energy source, (2) the major gluconeogenic precursor, and (3) a signaling molecule. The Lactate Shuttle theory is applicable to diverse fields such as sports nutrition and hydration, resuscitation from acidosis and Dengue, treatment of traumatic brain injury, maintenance of glycemia, reduction of inflammation, cardiac support in heart failure and following a myocardial infarction, and to improve cognition. Yet, dysregulated lactate shuttling disrupts metabolic flexibility, and worse, supports oncogenesis. Lactate 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Sep2025-06-01T02:34:05.116Z2020-10-08T07:23:06ZS-EPMC74986723244434410.1016/j.jshs.2020.02.006