The main difference between the lactate threshold and the anaerobic threshold is that the lactate threshold is the point at which lactate build-up in the bloodstream at a higher level than the resting value, whereas the anaerobic threshold is the point at which the lactate levels begin to rise rapidly.
Lactate and anaerobic thresholds are two points that describe the usage of lactate in the metabolism. Our body undergoes lactate metabolism in the absence of glucose.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Lactate Threshold
– Definition, Facts, Importance
2. What is Anaerobic Threshold
– Definition, Facts, Importance
3. Similarities Between Lactate Threshold and Anaerobic Threshold
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lactate Threshold and Anaerobic Threshold
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Anaerobic Threshold, Lactate Threshold
What is the Lactate Threshold
The lactate threshold is when the blood concentration of lactate starts to rise. It can occur in intense exercises at 85% of the maximum heart rate or 75% of the maximum oxygen intake. Under the lactate threshold, the produced lactate in the body is removed from the body without accumulating it. Therefore, the lactate threshold occurs when the lactate concentration in the blood rises. However, our body produces lactate at rest as well. The levels of lactate production at rest are 1–2 mM/L. hence, the lactate threshold is the point at which the body accumulates lactate. It occurs at the lactate concentration of 4 mM/L.
Figure 1: Lactic Acid
Furthermore, the lactate threshold is also defined as the aerobic threshold. In contrast, the anaerobic threshold is the point at which the lactate concentration rapidly increases. Both threshold types increase with the exercise intensity and duration.
What is the Anaerobic Threshold
The anaerobic threshold is when the body switches aerobic respiration to anaerobic respiration. At this level, the blood lactate concentration is high. Also, it occurs at high work intensity. Primary fat metabolism occurs in low-intensity exercises. Therefore, the blood lactate concentration is low at this point. It meets the aerobic threshold with the increasing work intensity. Mixed fat and sugar metabolism occurs at moderate work intensity, increasing the lactate concentration in the blood.
Figure 2: Anaerobic Threshold
However, sugar metabolism occurs primarily in high-intensity exercises. There, the body meets an anaerobic threshold at which the body switches from aerobic metabolism to anaerobic metabolism. After the anaerobic threshold, blood lactate level increases rapidly.
Similarities Between Lactate Threshold and Anaerobic Threshold
- The lactate threshold and anaerobic threshold are two points of the lactate metabolism.
- Our body undergoes lactate metabolism in the absence of glucose.
- They are important for the energy production.
Difference Between Lactate Threshold and Anaerobic Threshold
Definition
The lactate threshold refers to the point at which, during incremental exercise, lactate builds up in the bloodstream at a higher level than resting values. In contrast, the anaerobic threshold refers to the point during exercise when your body must switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism.
Significance
The lactate threshold is the point at which lactate builds up in the bloodstream at a higher level than the resting value, while the anaerobic threshold is the point at which the lactate levels begin to rise rapidly.
Work Intensity
Lactate threshold occurs at low work intensity, while anaerobic threshold occurs at a high work intensity.
Blood Lactate Concentration
The blood lactate concentration is low in the lactate threshold, while blood lactate concentration is high in the anaerobic threshold.
Conclusion
In brief, lactate and anaerobic thresholds are two points of the lactate metabolism in our body that occur without glucose. It is important for the production of energy. The lactate threshold is the point at which the body contains a higher concentration of lactate in comparison to the normal level. In comparison, the anaerobic threshold occurs at the higher blood concentration of lactate, which is the point at which the lactate level begins to rise. Therefore, the main difference between the lactate and anaerobic threshold is the lactate concentration in the blood.
References:
- Lactate threshold comparison in anaerobic vs. aerobic athletes and … (n.d.-c).
- (2019, November 8). The anaerobic threshold. Concept2.
Image Courtesy:
- “Lactic acid-stereocenter” By User:Ninomy – Own Work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Figure 07 05 02.” By CNX OpenStax – Own work (CC-BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply