D-lactic acid

D-lactic acid (sometimes referred to by the conjugate base D-lactate) is a form of lactic acid produced by bacteria such as Enterococcus and Streptococcus. It is an indicator of bacterial overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract. It's produced by bacteria in the colon when carbohydrates are not completely absorbed in the small intestine, such as in the case of patients who have had surgical resection of the bowel. In large quantities it can lead to d-lactic acidosis.

D-lactic acid is different from L-lactic acid in that it cannot be metabolized by humans and must be excreted through the kidneys. It can produce a variety of neurological symptoms including dysarthria and ataxia and is elevated in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Learn more

 * 2016, Lactate – Is it Everywhere in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)?
 * 2016, Migraine, ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia – Low Oxygen, High Lactate Disorders?