The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion on High-Intensity Intermittent Running and Subsequent Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on intermittent running and subsequent performance. Eight healthy men volunteered to take part in the study. One hour after the ingestion of either NaHCO(3) or placebo (sodium chloride; NaCl) participants undertook 20 x 24-second runs on a motorized treadmill at the velocity eliciting maximal oxygen uptake (100% v-VO(2)max). After sprint 20 participants performed a run to volitional exhaustion at 120% v-VO(2)max. Capillary blood samples for blood pH, bicarbonate ([HCO(3)]), and lactate ([Bla]) concentration were taken pre and postingestion, every fifth sprint and after the performance run. After ingestion of NaHCO(3), blood [HCO(3)] increased from resting values (p < 0.05), and the increase in pH approached significance. Blood [HCO(3)(-)] continually decreased throughout intermittent exercise (p < 0.05) and decreased further after performance in both trials (p < 0.05). [Bla] was similar in both trials throughout intermittent exercise but was greater at exhaustion for NaHCO(3) (main effect for trial; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in performance of the group between trials (78 +/- 22 and 75 +/- 22 seconds for NaHCO(3) and NaCl, respectively). The intercept of the relationships between [Bla] and [HCO(3)(-)] and between [Bla] and pH was greater during NaHCO(3) (p < 0.05), whereas the relationship between pH and [HCO(3)(-)] was unchanged (p > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the ingestion of NaHCO(3) before intermittent type exercise was sufficient to induce metabolic alkalosis but did not significantly affect performance. However, because significant individual variations in performance were observed, an individual approach to bicarbonate ingestion is recommended based on the intensity and duration of the required performance.

Expectancy of ergogenicity from sodium bicarbonate ingestion increases high-intensity cycling capacity

“…The authors suggested that GI symptoms might not necessarily negatively affect exercise performance, something that is supported by previous research (Price and Simons 2010).…”

“…A significant amount of research has examined the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) as an ergogenic aid (Cameron et al 2010;Krustrup et al 2015;Lavender and Bird 1989;Price and Simons 2010;Tan, et al 2010). Cameron et al (2010) reported that ingestion of 0.3 g.kg -1 NaHCO 3 60 min prior to exercise had no effect on multiple indices of repeated sprint performance in elite rugby players.…”

Evaluating the effects of caffeine and sodium bicarbonate, ingested individually or in combination, and a taste-matched placebo on high-intensity cycling capacity in healthy males

“…Moreover, although NaHCO3-based solutions have been used in a variety of contemporary literature (Higgins et al 2013a;Price and Simons 2010;Siegler and Gleadall-Siddall 2010), it is also possible that the use of solutions as opposed to capsules might have increased AD for some individuals. However, it should also be acknowledged that GI distress does not always negatively impact exercise performance (Higgins et al 2013a;Price and Simons 2010).…”

“…However, it should also be acknowledged that GI distress does not always negatively impact exercise performance (Higgins et al 2013a;Price and Simons 2010).…”

Influence of Acqua Lete® (Bicarbonate Calcic Natural Mineral Water) Hydration on Blood Lactate After Exercise

“…However, studies about the effect of bicarbonate ingestion on metabolic response are often conflicting. A study conduct on horses by Schuback et al in 2002 reported no effect of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on metabolic response and duration of exercise [23]; contrariwise other study reported in athletes, show an improved performance in a way dose-dependent [24][25][26] and probably by increasing buffering capacity [27,28]. Alkalinizing agents, including sodium bicarbonate, have been proposed as ergogenic aids for their potential effect on providing enhanced extracellular buffer capacity.…”