Is It Possible to Bypass the Block in Cerebral Glucose Uptake Following TBI with Exogenous Lactate?

Background/Objectives: Foundational studies on brain carbohydrate metabolism are reviewed. More recent results on the unique functionality of lactate and the possibility of augmenting cerebral carbohydrate (CHO) uptake with exogenous lactate to supplement glucose for brain fueling are presented. This review of the physiological evidence and preliminary clinical observations on cerebral lactate metabolism is intended to spur clinical trials leading to improved patient outcomes following brain injury.