The Supplement Series: Sodium Bicarbonate
During high-intensity exercise there is an increase in the production, and subsequent build-up of hydrogen (H+) ions. This build-up of H+ ions results in a decrease in intracellular pH, negatively effecting enzyme function and muscle contraction, contributing to fatigue. One way of delaying the decrease in intracellular pH, and improving short-term, high-intensity exercise, is through the use of pH buffers such as sodium bicarbonate.
Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation – The Fundamentals:
• What it does: Sodium bicarbonate is an alkalising substance. Once ingested, the level of bicarbonate in the blood increases, and in turn reduces the acidity of the blood. This change in pH between the blood and muscles promotes a greater movement of H+ ions and lactate out of the muscles and into the blood.
• How it works: Bicarbonate is one of the body’s most important buffering systems, and works by accepting H+ ions. This process slows down the decrease in pH in the muscle, maintaining enzyme activity, muscle function and delaying fatigue.
• Amount: 0.3 grams per kg of body weight. Capsule or powder form (capsule is preferred, as the taste is unfavourable). Consume water alongside ingestion of a capsule.
• Timing: 60-120 minutes before performance. The dose can be split, and ingested at 120, 90 and 60 minutes prior to performance to minimise any potential side effects.
• Beneficial For: High-intensity exercise lasting 1-7 minutes, repeated sprints, middle-distance running and rowing.
• Side Effects: Stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and bloating. The side effects of sodium bicarbonate are common and notoriously unpleasant, due to this many athletes choose not to use it.
CAUTION: Do not use sodium bicarbonate for the first time on competition day, practice during training first. I would recommend starting with a lower dose to determine how your body reacts to supplementation, and slowly increase the dose depending on side effects. Ingestion with a carbohydrate meal 120 minutes prior to performance can reduce the side effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22505127
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21719899