Lactate is an anion so there has to be a cation to balance. The total positive charge has to be equal to the total negative charge within a system We can have lactic acid which is lactate plus a proton also written H+, We can also have lactate paired with an inert cation such as sodium also written Na+. This is the lactate base. Sodium lactate is a basic substance whereas lactic acid is an acid. The ratio of lactic acid to lactate base is in equilibrium based on the pH. In the body the ratio of lactic acid to lactate is higher when anaerobic metabolism is producing lactic acid. Even when there is anaerobic metabolism producing lactic acid and causing an acidemia the lactate level will be elevated. This is confusing.