Sodium L-lactate is a sodium salt of lactic acid. It is produced from pyruvate during anaerobic glycolysis and in proliferatively active cells as a result of reaction with the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Used as a food additive, it acts as a preservative, acidity regulator, and bulking agent. Also used in cleaning supplies like shampoo and soap, and can be used to treat arrhythmias, as a pressor sympathomimetic, and to prevent and control metabolic acidosis.