This test measures the level of lactic acid, also known as lactate, in your blood. Lactic acid is a substance made by muscle tissue and by red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Normally, the level of lactic acid in the blood is low.

Lactic acid levels rise when oxygen levels decrease.

Low oxygen levels may be caused by:

- Strenuous exercise
- Heart failure
- Severe infection
- Shock, a dangerous condition that limits blood flow to your organs and tissues

If lactic acid levels get too high, it can lead to a life-threatening condition known as lactic acidosis. A lactic acid test can help diagnose lactic acidosis before it causes serious complications.

Lactobacillus species is a type of bacteria. There are lots of different species of lactobacillus.

Lactobacillus bacteria are commonly found in the human gut, mouth and vagina. They are considered generally as “good bacteria”, and in fact may contribute to good health, often being included in probiotic supplements. These bacteria are characterized by their ability to produce lactic acid as a byproduct of glucose metabolism.

L. acidophilus is a probiotic bacteria that naturally occurs in the human gut and other parts of the body. This bacteria helps the digestive system break down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, measured in CFU/g (Colony Forming Units per gram), is a key biomarker included in the GI Standard Test Panel by US BioTek. This gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium is a vital member of the gut microbiome, primarily residing in the small intestine. It is one of the most well-studied probiotic species and plays a critical role in maintaining gut and overall health.

Lactobacillus animalis is a key marker of gut health, reflecting the composition and functional state of the gastrointestinal microbiome. This bacterium is a member of the Lactobacillus genus, which is well-known for its role in promoting gut health and forming part of the natural microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacillus animalis is a lactic acid-producing bacterium, characterized by its ability to ferment sugars into lactic acid, thereby contributing to the acidic environment in the gut that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.

"Lactobacillus brevis" serves as a fascinating marker of your gut health, offering a glimpse into the complex ecosystem of bacteria residing in your digestive system. This specific bacterium is part of the Lactobacillus genus, a group of bacteria known for their role in promoting a healthy gut. They achieve this by producing lactic acid, which helps to maintain an acidic environment in the gut, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus brevis, in particular, is noteworthy for its potential benefits, which include supporting the immune system, enhancing the absorption of nutrients, and possibly even contributing to mental well-being through the gut-brain axis. However, it's also important to have a balanced amount of Lactobacillus brevis, as an overabundance can sometimes lead to issues, depending on an individual's unique gut flora composition and overall health. 

Lactobacillus d. bulgaricus (L. d. bulgaricus) is a beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract. Intestinal bacteria is referred to as gut flora or microbes. This strain of bacteria may also be found in foods or supplements. When it’s consumed, it’s referred to as probiotics. 

Lactobacillus casei is a beneficial probiotic bacterium that supports digestion, immune balance, and healthy microbial activity in the gut. It helps break down carbohydrates, produces lactic acid, and protects against harmful microbes. Low or high levels may reflect changes in supplementation, diet, or overall gut microbiome balance.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a member of the Lactobacillus genus, known for its beneficial role in the gut microbiome. It is commonly found in fermented dairy products like yogurt and plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced gut environment. On the GI – Advanced Profile panel, the presence and levels of Lactobacillus delbrueckii are important because this bacterium helps in the digestion process by producing lactic acid, which in turn lowers the pH of the gut. This acidic environment is essential for inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, supporting the integrity of the gut lining, and enhancing nutrient absorption. A healthy level of Lactobacillus delbrueckii is indicative of a well-functioning digestive system, while low levels might suggest a disruption in the gut microbiome, potentially leading to issues like poor digestion, inflammation, or an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.

Lactobacillus Plantarum have been shown to:

- Alleviate the symptoms of IBS

- Help treat Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

- Accelerate the healing of intestines after illness.

- Mitigate allergic reactions to foods such as soy flour.

There is also evidence that Lactobacillus Plantarum may help in the treatment and prevention of depression and dementia.

Lactobacillus Plantarum have been shown to:

- Alleviate the symptoms of IBS

- Help treat Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

- Accelerate the healing of intestines after illness.

- Mitigate allergic reactions to foods such as soy flour.

There is also evidence that Lactobacillus Plantarum may help in the treatment and prevention of depression and dementia.

Numerous clinical studies suggested that L. reuteri may be helpful in modulating gut microbiota, eliminating infections, and attenuating the gastrointestinal symptoms of enteric colitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea (also related to the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection), irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic constipation. In both children and in adults, L. reuteri shortens the duration of acute infectious diarrhea and improves abdominal pain in patients with colitis or inflammatory bowel disease. It can ameliorate dyspepsia and symptoms of gastritis in patients with HP infection. Moreover, it improves gut motility and chronic constipation.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a probiotic with good survival capacity in the human gut, has well-documented adhesion properties and health effects.