There is no Such Thing as Lactate by Itself

Lactate is an anion so there has to be a cation. We can have lactic acid which is lactate plus a proton or H+, We can have lactate paired with an inert cation such as a Na+or Sodium. 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. The amount of total lactate/ lactic acid is higher when anaerobic metabolism is producing lactic acid and proceeding faster than lactate metabolism. The total lactate/ lactic acid is reported as lactate which is confusing.