PURAC Develops Consumer Website for Lactic Acid Education

The website explains the historical and natural aspects of lactic acid, but also modern production techniques and current applications. The website also provides information on lactic acid in sports.

29/10/08 CSM subsidiary PURAC – the largest and most experienced producer of lactic acid – has developed a website that provides comprehensive information about lactic acid: www.lactic-acid.com.

Lactic acid is a food ingredient applied in many different food products. Consumers have many questions regarding ingredients added to their food products. That’s why PURAC has launched this independent website explaining what lactic acid is and where it can be found in our daily lives and routines.

The website explains the historical and natural aspects of lactic acid, but also modern production techniques and current applications. The website also provides information on lactic acid in sports and dispels any remaining preconceptions that lactic acid causes muscle stiffness.

The website notes that unlike the name suggests, lactic acid is not derived from milk. Lactic acid is the acid ingredient of sour dairy products, fermented fruits and vegetables and sausages. Lactic acid has been consumed by humans since prehistoric times.

Lactic acid as a product of nature, however, is even older. It is present in every form of organized life and was supposedly already prevalent in the first forms of primitive life that existed on earth. Many bacterial species produce lactic acid, with Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Pediococcus and Leuconostoc being the predominant examples.

Lactic acid found in animals and humans has many functions, the most important of which is related to the supply of energy in muscle tissue. Metabolic turnover of lactic acid in adult men has been estimated to be approximately 120 to 150 g per day.

Lactic acid is naturally present in many foodstuffs. It is formed by natural fermentation in products such as cheese, yogurt, soy sauce, sourdough, meat products and pickled vegetables.

Lactic acid is also used in a wide range of food applications such as bakery products, beverages, meat products, confectionery, dairy products, salads, dressings, ready meals, etc. Lactic acid in food products usually serves as either as a pH regulator or as a preservative. It is also used as a flavoring agent.