The damage is known as mitochondrial toxicity. Several lab tests, including a test for the level of lactic acid in the blood, can be performed to verify the condition. The high acid levels can be corrected using sodium bicarbonate or dichloroacetate. If lactic acidosis goes untreated, it may cause organ failure, and there is a high risk of death. Interestingly, the condition is more common in women than in men.
Obese women are at highest risk for developing lactic acidosis.
One potential preventive measure is taking supplements of coenzyme Q, riboflavin, thiamine, or L-carnitine. These supplements assist in cellular energy production. Always talk with your doctor before starting any new treatments. Dr. Dalton concluded by stating that the lactic acidosis can be life-threatening but is fairly uncommon, but that an awareness of the signs and symptoms of the condition helps doctors and patients recognize and address lactic acidosis in a timely manner. The final presentation of the evening was an introduction to metabolic side effects of HIV and the role of nutrition in side effect management by Donna Tinnerello, Chief Clinical Dietitian at Cabrini Medical Center.