Lactic Acid: Health Benefits

By Ericka Gunther on Aug 14th 2024

What is Lactic Acid?

Lactic acid is an organic acid that naturally occurs in the human body but is also produced through fermentation. This process involves yeasts, mold, or bacteria to break down carbohydrates into alcohol, gas, and acids. The process entails removing oxygen, for the food to become more acidic and therefore lactic acid bacteria grows. Some foods have strains of lactic acid bacteria and are probiotics, which can boost your gut health.

When you clean out your fridge, you often see spoiled foods that don’t last long. However, foods such as yogurt, baked goods and pickled vegetables last longer and provide many health benefits. These benefits include helping your body absorb minerals and vitamins and strengthening your immune system.

Food Benefits

Lactic acid is found naturally in these foods but can be added as a preservative in several processed foods.
Foods that may contain Lactic acid as a preservative are salad dressing, cheese, frozen desserts and soda.
Lactic acid controls the pH acidity to prevent food from spoiling which improves the taste in food and shelf life.
The naturally produced lactic acid in fermented foods can protect you from constipation and urinary infections.

Personal Care Benefits

Lactic acid can be found in your routine personal care products. Many over the counter skin care products help with removing dead skin cells, eczema, rosacea and improving aging spots.
Many peels are made with higher Concentrations of Lactic Acid that can help the skin tighten and clear pores.
The main ingredient in lotions is lactic acid that helps keep our skin hydrated and moisturized. Many of these lotions can help smooth bumps found on the back of your arms -keratosis pilaris.
Lactic acid supports cell turnover which helps process old cells and replace them with new ones. This creates a brighter and smoother complexion.
While Lactic acid is the gentlest of alpha hydroxy acids, it can cause skin irritation and sensitivity when not managed properly. Lactic acid is available in different strengths on Ingredi (88% liquid and 60% powder).

Using Lactic Acid

There are many benefits of using Lactic acid. Eating foods with Lactic acid can boost your gut health, absorb minerals and vitamins, and improve your immune system.
Lactic acid can protect you from certain issues such as constipation and urinary infections.
Many over the counter skin care products contain different strengths of Lactic acid that can help balance your skin.
Overall, Lactic acid is seen as a safe ingredient that improves the shelf life of foods and can help balance your nutrition.

Ingredi has Lactic Acid in various sizes, concentrations, and consistencies- shop them all below!

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