Sodium Bicarbonate

Buffering Agent

Sodium bicarbonate is an alkalinizing salt used medically and studied as an exercise buffer. Large acute doses can cause substantial gastrointestinal symptoms, sodium loading, and alkalosis; performance findings are protocol- and activity-specific.

Pharmacokinetic model

A route-level PK model for sodium bicarbonate is being prepared from published data. Dosing references, studies, and documented interactions are below; the app catalog is updated as models are validated.

Key facts

Category
Buffering Agent
Suggested cadence
once daily

Research behind this entry

  1. Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion in a Fasted State Improves 16.1-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance Leach NK, Hilton NP, Tinnion D, Dobson B, McNaughton LR, Sparks SA · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2023 DOI

    Ten trained male cyclists completed randomized crossover time trials after 0.3 g/kg in gelatin capsules, enteric capsules, or placebo. Both active forms improved time by roughly 34-40 seconds; enteric capsules caused…

1 published study referenced in the app, each with a plain-language summary.