Clinical Use of Hypertonic Lactate-Current Evidence and Emerging Perspectives

Lactate has traditionally been viewed as a metabolic byproduct associated with metabolic acidosis, exercise-induced fatigue, and cancer metabolism. However, accumulating evidence highlights its valuable role as an alternative fuel and a key signaling molecule. Hypertonic sodium lactate infusions have gained interest for their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in neurology and cardiology. This review examines the established and potential clinical uses of exogenous hypertonic lactate treatment.

A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Medline using the following keywords: hypertonic lactate, half-molar sodium lactate, sodium lactate, and exogenous lactate. The search was limited to human studies investigating hypertonic sodium lactate solutions with a lactate concentration ≥500 mmol/L as an intervention. Case reports, pediatric studies, preclinical research, and studies in psychiatric populations were excluded.

Infusion of hypertonic lactate has demonstrated promising effects across several clinical settings, serving as an alternative fuel for the brain that supports up to 20% of cerebral energy metabolism. In patients with traumatic brain injury, lactate treatment increases cerebral glucose availability, reduces intracranial pressure, and enhances cognitive recovery. In the heart, lactate infusion increases cardiac output, stroke volume, and ejection fraction, potentially benefiting heart failure patients. Hypertonic lactate infusions are generally well tolerated, with minor electrolyte changes as the most common side effect.

Lactate is emerging as a therapeutic agent beyond its traditional role in metabolism. Hypertonic sodium lactate infusions have potential therapeutic benefits within neurology and cardiology, but large-scale trials are required to evaluate efficacy, optimize dosing, and assess long-term safety.