The hydration of CO₂ (CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃) produces carbonic acid, which dissociates into H⁺ and HCO₃⁻. The release of H⁺ lowers the pH. This is a major source of acidity, not just the dissolution of pre-formed lactic acid.
The hydration of CO₂ (CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃) produces carbonic acid, which dissociates into H⁺ and HCO₃⁻. The release of H⁺ lowers the pH. This is a major source of acidity, not just the dissolution of pre-formed lactic acid.