Lactate is a biochemical compound that is produced in the body as a result of anaerobic respiration. It is formed when glucose is broken down in the absence of oxygen. Lactate is present in various tissues of the body, including muscles, red blood cells, and the brain. In the bloodstream, lactate is present in the form of lactic acid, which is quickly converted to lactate by the liver. The level of lactate in the blood, referred to as lactate plasma, is a marker of anaerobic metabolism and is often used as a measure of the body's ability to produce energy during exercise or in conditions where oxygen supply is limited. Increased lactate levels in the blood, known as hyperlactatemia, can occur as a result of various conditions, including hypoxia (low oxygen levels), sepsis, shock, heart failure, liver disease, and certain medications. In some cases, hyperlactatemia can be a sign of a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.