Postprandial plasma D-lactate concentrations after yogurt ingestion

Abstract

The risk of D-lactic acidosis after consumption of yogurt was investigated in seven healthy volunteers. After ingestion of yogurt containing 1.06 mmol/kg body weight, D-lactic acid postprandial plasma D-lactate concentrations increased from 0.070 +/- 0.020 to a maximum of 0.200 +/- 0.010 mmol/l within 60 min. That was half the maximum concentration after the equivalent amount of D-lactate in the form of an aqueous solution of DL-lactate. The shape of the postprandial plasma D-lactate peak was flatter, but much broader after yogurt than after the aqueous solution, the peak areas being equal. When 0.64 mmol/kg body weight D-lactate were consumed as yogurt, plasma concentrations amounted to 0.086 +/- 0.030 mmol/l. Signs of a mild, transient, compensated metabolic acidosis, which was apparent in case of the aqueous lactic acid solution did not occur in case of yogurt. It is concluded that the consumption of foods containing D-lactic acid gives no reason for concern in healthy adults.