Stanley, W. C., Wisneski, J. A., Gertz, E. W., Neese, R. A., & Brooks, G. A. (1988). Glucose and lactate interrelations during moderate-intensity exercise in humans. Metabolism, 37, 850-858.

Circulating glucose and lactate kinetics were studied in endurance-trained males (N = 10) during 30-50 minutes of moderate-intensity (43+/-5% VO2max) supine cycle ergometer exercise. It was found that 20% of glucose utilization went to lactate formation and 20% of blood lactate appearance came from blood glucose, the remainder coming from muscle glycogen.

Implication. In moderate to low intensities of steady state exercise fuel is derived notably from fats, but also glucose and muscle glycogen. Only a small portion of the latter two sources is used to produce lactate.

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