Sodium lactate is the sodiumsalt of lactic acid, and has a mild saline taste. It is produced by fermentation of a sugar source, such as maize or beets, and then, by neutralizing the resulting lactic acid[4] to create a compound having the formula NaC3H5O3.
Despite the similarity in name, sodium lactate itself is not chemically similar to lactose (milk sugar), so need not be restricted by those with lactose intolerance.[4][8]
Cosmetics and personal care products
Sodium lactate is sometimes used in shampoo products and other similar items such as liquid soaps, as it is an effective humectant and moisturizer.[9]
Sodium lactate may induce panic attacks in persons with existing panic disorder;[12] up to 72% of individuals with panic disorder experience a panic attack when administered sodium lactate intravenously. Sodium lactate may therefore also be used to confirm a diagnosis of panic disorder.[13]: 19
Chemistry and biochemistry
Sodium lactate is not chemically similar to lactose (milk sugar).[4][8]
Production
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.[14]Sugar or tapioca additionally may be used.[4]
In some rare instances, some lactic acid is fermented from dairy products such as whey[4] and lactose.[14] Whey is made of up 6.5% solids of which 4.8% is solid lactose.[15] Waste whey is infrequently used to produce lactic acid when the whey itself is produced as waste during the manufacture of certain dairy products.[16] Such dairy-type lactic acid generally goes back into dairy products, such as ice cream and cream cheese,[14] rather than into non-dairy products. Moreover, although the lactic-acid starter culture to ferment corn or beets may contain milk,[4] sodium lactate does not contain milk protein and need not be restricted by someone avoiding milk or those with a milk allergy.[4][8]
^World Health Organization (2019). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/325771. WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.06. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
^World Health Organization (2021). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list (2021). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/345533. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2021.02.
^ abcWillitts A, Deborah Carter (2007). Food allergy & your child. Class Publishing Ltd. p. 85. ISBN978-1-85959-186-4. The following ingredients do not contain milk protein and need not be avoided by people allergic to milk: … Sodium lactate
^US Patent 4758599, Dawn C. Minetti, "Clear, hydroalcoholic aftershave lotion which moisturizes, conditions, and prevents irritation", issued 1988-07-19
^Trevor A, Bertram Katzung, Susan Masters (2008). Katzung & Trevor's Pharmacology Examination and Board Review (8e ed.). Go Dairy Free. p. 126. ISBN978-0-07-148869-3.