Provided is the use of a lactate dehydrogenase in the asymmetric synthesis of a chiral hydroxyl compound. In particular, provided is the use of a polypeptide in the production of a compound of formula A or a downstream product with the compound of formula A as a precursor. Further provided is a method for producing a compound of formula A, the method comprising culturing a bacterial strain that expresses the polypeptide to obtain the compound of formula A. Further provided are a bacterial strain that produces the compound of formula A, and a method for constructing the bacterial strain that produces the compound of formula A. By means of the method, the compound of formula A can be efficiently and inexpensively produced. The method prepares the obtained compound of formula A at a high concentration, and has the advantages of a high product optical purity, mild reaction conditions, being environmentally friendly, having a simple operation and easy industrial amplification.