How Lactate Threshold Changes With Age: A Research Overview
Lactate threshold is a physiological marker of endurance capacity. This page reviews what the evidence says about how it changes with age and how it is measured in research settings.
What is lactate threshold?
Lactate threshold (LT) is the exercise intensity at which blood lactate concentration begins to rise above baseline during incremental exercise. It is also referred to as the anaerobic threshold or the first lactate threshold. In research settings, LT is typically expressed as a percentage of maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) or as a work rate. It is not a fixed value; it varies with training status, muscle glycogen content, and the specific testing protocol used. The evidence block for this page does not provide a molecular formula, sequence, or molecular weight for lactate threshold, as it is a physiological parameter rather than a discrete compound.
The physiological pathways underlying lactate threshold involve skeletal muscle energy metabolism, specifically the balance between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) resynthesis via oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, and the subsequent clearance of lactate from the bloodstream [2].
Research Studies
Lactate threshold and age-related changes in older adults
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm crossover clinical trial is evaluating the effects of a patented age-reversal therapy, EGA®, compared to conventional nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy older adults [1]. The primary outcome is cycle ergometry constant work rate (CWR) exercise tolerance, measured as time to fatigue. Secondary outcomes include changes in peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak), critical power, anaerobic work capacity, lactate threshold, and NAD⁺ metabolite levels [1]. This study is ongoing; results are not yet available. The population is healthy older adults, and the intervention is a supplement, not a training program.
Lactate threshold and ergogenic supplements in cyclists
A comprehensive review of the physiology and evidence base for ergogenic and medical supplements in cycling performance notes that direct enhancement of endurance performance is primarily achieved via modulation of skeletal muscle energy metabolism [2]. During exercise, ATP resynthesis is supported by both oxidative and glycolytic pathways. The review does not provide specific values for how lactate threshold changes with age; it focuses on supplement effects in human participants [2].
Lactate threshold as a secondary outcome in NMN trials
In the NMN trial described above, lactate threshold is listed as a secondary outcome alongside VO₂peak, critical power, and anaerobic work capacity [1]. This indicates that researchers are interested in whether NAD⁺-modulating interventions affect lactate threshold in older adults. However, no data are yet reported. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, and the evidence block does not include any results.
Lactate threshold and exercise tolerance in aging research
The same trial measures exercise tolerance as time to fatigue during constant work rate cycle ergometry [1]. Lactate threshold is one of several physiological parameters being tracked. The study design is a crossover, meaning each participant receives both interventions in sequence. This design can help control for inter-individual variability in lactate threshold. The population is healthy older adults, and the study is not yet complete.
Lactate threshold and NAD⁺ metabolite levels
The NMN trial also measures NAD⁺ metabolite levels as a secondary outcome [1]. This suggests a hypothesized link between NAD⁺ metabolism and exercise parameters including lactate threshold. However, the evidence block does not provide any direct evidence that NAD⁺ levels cause changes in lactate threshold. The trial is ongoing, and no results are available.
Lactate threshold in supplement reviews for cycling
The cycling supplement review [2] does not specifically address age-related changes in lactate threshold. It focuses on ergogenic supplements and their mechanisms, which include modulation of skeletal muscle energy metabolism. The review includes human participants and evaluates endurance performance, recovery, and physiological function. No age-specific lactate threshold data are provided in the evidence block.
Lactate threshold and critical power in older adults
Critical power and anaerobic work capacity are also secondary outcomes in the NMN trial [1]. These parameters are related to but distinct from lactate threshold. Critical power is the highest sustainable work rate, while lactate threshold is an intensity marker. The trial will assess whether these parameters change with NMN or EGA® supplementation in healthy older adults. No results are yet available.
Lactate threshold and VO₂peak in aging research
VO₂peak is another secondary outcome in the NMN trial [1]. VO₂peak typically declines with age, and lactate threshold often declines in parallel. However, the evidence block does not provide specific data on the magnitude or time course of these changes. The trial is designed to measure these outcomes in healthy older adults, but results are pending.
Lactate threshold and exercise modality
The NMN trial uses cycle ergometry constant work rate exercise to measure tolerance and lactate threshold [1]. The cycling supplement review [2] also focuses on cycling performance. This suggests that cycling is a common model for studying lactate threshold, but the evidence block does not compare different exercise modalities or their effects on age-related changes.
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