Brain pH and lactate

What is brain pH and lactate in bipolar disorder?

Maintenance of an adequate pH balance in all tissues and organs is important for good health. Decreased levels of brain pH are associated with increased levels of lactate, and vise versa. Lactate is an acidic source of fuel that is constantly generated and consumed in the brain. An imbalance in pH, particularly a shift toward high acidity, is associated with numerous physical and mental disorders.

What is the evidence for brain pH and lactate in people with bipolar disorder?

Moderate to low quality evidence suggests increased brain lactate levels in people with bipolar disorder compared to controls.

Low quality evidence is unclear of pH differences.

December 2021

Image: © Leigh Prather – Fotolia – stock.adobe.com

Last updated at: 6:14 pm, 9th December 2021
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