Alpha polylactate is a compound that has been used in some sports nutrition products, most notably marketed under the brand name "Energize" or similar. The rationale behind its use is that alpha polylactate provides a sustained energy source during exercise by delivering both lactate and glucose precursors, which can be utilized by muscles. Lactate, contrary to early beliefs about its role in fatigue, is now recognized as a valuable energy substrate for working muscles, especially during endurance exercise.

The scientific evidence supporting the use of alpha polylactate for improving energy levels and exercise performance is limited but present. A handful of small human studies (e.g., by Timothy Noakes and others in the 1990s and early 2000s) have investigated polylactate supplementation. These studies suggest that polylactate may reduce perceived exertion and enhance endurance performance to a modest extent, possibly by providing a more slowly metabolized energy source compared to glucose alone. However, the number and scale of these studies are limited, and results are not uniformly positive.

Overall, while there is a plausible mechanism and some empirical support, the evidence base is not strong, and alpha polylactate is not widely used or recommended in mainstream sports nutrition guidelines. Therefore, the evidence rating is modest.