Which statement correctly describes lactic acidosis types?

• A. Type A is hypoxic
• B. Type A is metabolic
• C. Type B is hypoxic
• D. Type B is metabolic

Answer: (A)

Lactic acidosis is classified by whether lactate buildup is driven by tissue hypoxia or by non-hypoxic metabolic factors. When tissues don’t get enough oxygen, cells switch to anaerobic glycolysis to keep making energy. This shift causes pyruvate to be converted largely into lactate, regenerating NAD+ so glycolysis can continue, which leads to lactate accumulation and acidosis. This is the scenario described as hypoxic, or Type A.

Type B lactic acidosis occurs without ongoing hypoxia and is due to other metabolic reasons—such as liver dysfunction that impairs lactate clearance, mitochondrial disorders, certain drugs or toxins, thiamine deficiency, or severe sepsis. In these cases lactate rises from altered metabolism or clearance rather than from lack of oxygen.

So the correct statement is that Type A lactic acidosis is associated with hypoxia.