Sodium bicarbonate ingestion and individual variability in time-to-peak pH

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the individual variability in time to peak pH after the consumption of a 300mg . kg -1 dose of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ). Seventeen active males volunteered to participate in the study (mean ± SD: age 21.38 ± 1.5y; mass 75.8 ± 5.8kg; height 176.8 ± 7.6cm). Participants reported to the laboratory where a resting capillary blood sample was taken aseptically from the fingertip. After this, 300 mg . kg -1 of NaHCO 3 in 400ml of water with 50ml of flavoured cordial was ingested.Participants then rested for 90 min during which repeated blood samples were procured at 10 minute intervals for 60 mins and then every 5 min until 90 min. Blood pH concentrations were measured using a blood gas analyser. Results suggested that time to peak pH (64.41±18.78 min) was highly variable with a range of 10-85 min and a coefficient of variation of 29.16%. A bi-modal distribution occurred, at 65 and 75 min. In conclusion, researchers and athletes, when using NaHCO 3 as an ergogenic aid, should determine, in advance their time to peak pH to best utilise the added buffering capacity this substance allows.

The Impact of Individualizing Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Strategies on World-Class Rowing Performance

“…A number of recent independent investigations have clearly demonstrated the high degree of inter-individual variability associated with time-to-peak buffering capacity after NaHCO 3 ingestion, reporting peak concentrations ranging between 10 and 150 min post ingestion after a similar dose of 0.3 g·kgBM −1 ( 7 , 18 , 25 ). Indeed, the inter-individual variability has also been cited as a possible contributing factor toward inconsistencies of erogenicity observed in some studies ( 8 , 17 ), and highlighted in contemporary reviews as an area for further study ( 6 , 26 ).…”

Time to Optimize Supplementation: Modifying Factors Influencing the Individual Responses to Extracellular Buffering Agents

“…A recent spate of investigations reporting the time course changes in blood markers following acute supplementation with SB ( 19 , 73 , 74 ), SC ( 75 ), and lactate ( 26 , 72 ) suggest that a uniform supplementation timepoint is unlikely to be optimal for all individuals. The overwhelming conclusion that can be drawn from these independent investigations is that the time-to-peak bicarbonate concentration differs drastically between individuals, as does the absolute maximal change.…”

Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation Delays Neuromuscular Fatigue Without Changes in Performance Outcomes During a Basketball Match Simulation Protocol

“…HCO3 -] levels by ~5mmol.L -1 and sustains elevated blood pH and HCO3during a prolonged intermittent sprint protocol _ENREF_17(5). Factors such as time to peak [HCO3 -] and [pH] also show high degrees of inter and intra-individual variability(15,41).Therefore, it is possible that the ergogenic effect seen in the present study may not have been maximal as the ingestion times were standardised to 90 and 60 minutes.In conclusion, the present study shows a two-phase response in the development of fatigue over time during a simulated basketball match, with an initial early development of neuromuscular and peripheral fatigue after just two quarters of simulated match. Beyond which no further deleterious effect on the neuromuscular function can be seen.…”