Nonvolatile acid
A nonvolatile acid is an acid produced in the body from sources other than carbon dioxide, and is not excreted by the lungs. They are produced from e.g. an incomplete metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. All acids produced in the body are nonvolatile except carbonic acid, which is the sole volatile acid. Common nonvolatile acids in humans are lactic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. Humans produce about 1–1.5 mmoles of H+ per kilogram per day. The nonvolatile acids are excreted by the kidneys. Lactic acid is usually completely metabolized by the body, and is thus not excreted from the body.Reactions
The following reactions result in nonvolatile acids. Such reactions do not take place in volatile acids for obvious reasons.
e.g. methionine or cysteine → Urea + CO2 + H2SO4 → 2H+ + SO42−
- phosphorus-containing compound metabolism → H3PO4 → H+ + H2PO4−
- cationic amino acid oxidation:
e.g. lysine or arginine →Urea + CO2 + H2O + H+
HA → H+ + A−
- Incomplete metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins → e.g. lactic acid or keto-acids
