Chemical Properties
colourless liquid
Chemical Properties
Sodium lactate occurs as a clear, colorless, slightly syrupy liquid. It
is odorless, or has a slight odor with a characteristic saline taste. It is
hygroscopic.
Uses
Instead of glycerol in calico printing; as a plasticizer for casein; as a corrosion inhibitor in alcohol antifreeze mixture.
Definition
ChEBI: An organic sodium salt having lactate as the counterion.
General Description
Sodium DL-lactate is an organic, sodium salt of lactic acid. It is a hygroscopic agent and a component of natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is usually produced by fermentation.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Sodium lactate is widely used in cosmetics, food products and
pharmaceutical applications including parenteral and topical
formulations.
Therapeutically, sodium lactate is used in infusions as a
component of Ringer-lactate solution; as an alternative for sodium
hydrogencarbonate in light acidosis; as a rehydrating agent; and as
a carrier for electrolyte concentrates or medicines in perfusion/
infusion solutions.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Sodium lactate functions as a buffer to maintain osmotic and charge balance. It serves as a humectant, especially in cosmetic preparations. It acts a flavoring agent in meat and poultry products. Sodium lactate also plays a role as a buffer. Sodium lactate could be an alternative source of energy and an oxidative substrate in case of lack of oxygen in brain cells.
Food additive
Sodium lactate need not be restricted by someone avoiding milk or those with a milk allergy.In general, lactates such as sodium, calcium, and potassium lactate are salts derived from the neutralization of lactic acid and most commercially used lactic acids are fermented from dairy - free products such as cornstarch, potatoes, or molasses. Sugar or tapioca additionally may be used. However some lactic acid is fermented from dairy products such as whey and lactose . Whey is made of up 6.5 % solids of which 4.8% is solid lactose . Waste whey typically is used to produce lactic acid when the whey itself is produced as waste during the manufacture of certain dairy products . As a result, such dairy-type lactic acid generally goes back into dairy products, such as ice cream and cream cheese, rather than into non - dairy products. Moreover, although the lacticacid starter culture to ferment corn or beets may contain milk, sodium lactate does not contain milk protein and need not be restricted by someone avoiding milk or those with a milk allergy.
Uses
As a food additive, sodium lactate has the E number E325 and is naturally a liquid product, but also is available in powder form. It acts as a preservative, acidity regulator, and bulking agent.
Sodium lactate is sometimes used in shampoo products and other similar items such as liquid soaps as it is an effective humectant and moisturizer.
Sodium lactate is used to treat arrhythmias caused by overdosing of class I antiarrythmics, as well as pressor sympathomimetics which can cause hypertension.
It also can be given intravenously as a source of bicarbonate for preventing or controlling mild to moderate metabolic acidosis in patients with restricted oral intake (for sodium bicarbonate) whose oxidative processes are not seriously impaired. However, the use in lactic acidosis is contraindicated.
Safety
Sodium lactate occurs naturally in the body and is involved in
physiological processes. It is generally regarded as a relatively
nontoxic and nonirritant material when used as an excipient. Low
concentrations are well tolerated by skin and eye mucosa, although
higher concentrations should be avoided.
LD50 (rat, IP): 2 g/kg
storage
Sodium lactate should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool,
dry, place. Sodium lactate is combustible and decomposes upon
heating.
Regulatory Status
GRAS listed (not for infant formulas). Included in the FDA Inactive
Ingredient Database (epidural, IM, IV, and SC injections; oral
suspensions; topical gels and solutions). Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of
Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
