Blood Testing

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is a key enzyme in energy metabolism that catalyses the reversible conversion of lactate to pyruvate, helping your cells maintain energy production when oxygen availability fluctuates during activity. It’s present in most body tissues and widely measured in blood using units of U/L. In Australia, typical adult reference ranges are ~120–250 U/L in standard pathology tests. Monitoring LDH can offer insight into how your metabolism responds to physical stress and recovery, helping you optimise energy pathways and metabolic efficiency now and over the long term.

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What is Lactate Dehydrogenase?

Lactate Dehydrogenase is an enzyme that supports the interconversion of lactate and pyruvate, central to cellular energy metabolism and metabolic flexibility.

Why does it matter for long‑term health and wellbeing?

Tracking LDH trends can help you understand your body’s energy handling, metabolic adaptability, and response to physical stress or training loads, all of which support proactive metabolic health and longevity.

What's an optimal level of Lactate Dehydrogenase?

Australian pathology reference intervals for adults are generally about 120–250 U/L. An optimal zone might lie within the middle of this range (e.g., ~150–220 U/L) depending on activity levels and personal goals.

What influences Lactate Dehydrogenase levels?

Exercise intensity, muscle metabolism, and overall metabolic activity influence LDH, as the enzyme responds to changes in energy demand and oxygen availability.

What does it mean if Lactate Dehydrogenase is outside the optimal range?

Values consistently above or below your typical range may reflect shifts in metabolic activity or energy balance; tracking over time can highlight lifestyle or training adaptations.

How can I support healthy Lactate Dehydrogenase levels?

Balanced nutrition, regular varied exercise, appropriate recovery, and sleep support healthy energy metabolism and efficient enzyme function.

This information is provided for general health and wellness purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

References:

  1. Pathology Tests Explained. Tests – Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). 2023.
  2. Farhana A & Lappin SL. Biochemistry, Lactate Dehydrogenase. StatPearls. 2023.
  3. Klein R. Clinical and Diagnostic Significance of Lactate Dehydrogenase. 2020.
  4. MedlinePlus. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Isoenzymes Test. 2023.
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Cortisol
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
Free Thyroxine (T4)
Free Triiodothyronine (T3)
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
5 markers

Hormone balance

Evaluates hormone levels that impact energy, sleep, mood, and metabolism.
White Blood Cell (WBC) Count
Neutrophils
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils
6 markers

Immune system

Measures immune activity and inflammatory responses to assess body defenses.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
1 marker

Inflammation status

Tracks signs of chronic or acute inflammation that may affect long-term disease risk.
Bicarbonate
Chloride
Creatinine
Potassium
Sodium
Urea
Uric acid
Anion Gap
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR)
9 markers

Kidney function

Assesses kidney health through creatinine and other markers of blood filtration.
Alanine Aminotransferase
Albumin
Alkaline Phosphatase
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
Bilirubin
Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Globulin
Total Protein
8 markers

Liver health

Measures liver enzymes and proteins responsible for detoxification and metabolic health.
Fasting Glucose
Fasting Insulin
Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) IFCC mmol/m
Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) NGSP/DCCT %
HOMA-IR score
5 markers

Metabolic health

Evaluates energy processing with glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and related biomarkers.
Magnesium
1 marker

Vitamins & minerals

Analyzes essential nutrients that support immunity, energy, and overall wellbeing.
Creatine Kinase
1 marker

Muscle strength

Assesses biomarkers related to muscle performance, function, and recovery.
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1 marker

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A reflection of how your body is aging at the cellular level, linked to age risks and longevity.
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