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Sodium bicarbonate is a buffer that neutralizes acidity in the human body. It is used in dental products and antacids and sometimes to treat acidosis in critical illness. When taken as a supplement, sodium bicarbonate can enhance exercise performance.
Sodium Bicarbonate is most often used for
Last Updated:December 23, 2024
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), commonly known as baking soda, acts as a buffer to neutralize acids and is used in various medical applications, including dental care and treatment of heartburn and indigestion. It is also used in critical illness to treat acidosis and as a sports supplement for performance enhancement.
Supplementing with sodium bicarbonate can enhance exercise performance during high-intensity activities and may lower cardiovascular risks in people with chronic kidney disease. It is also used in emergency settings for metabolic acidosis and has potential benefits in dental care, though more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in these areas.
Sodium bicarbonate can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, nausea, and vomiting when taken orally in doses higher than 0.3 grams per kilogram of body weight. Although rare adverse effects have been reported in individual cases, sodium bicarbonate is generally considered safe for oral consumption.
Sodium bicarbonate enhances high-intensity exercise performance by buffering hydrogen ion production, which helps maintain blood and muscle pH levels. However, high doses can lead to gastrointestinal side effects due to a reaction with stomach acid that produces carbon dioxide.
Formulations: Sodium bicarbonate (often referred to as sodium bicarb, bicarb, baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda) is taken as tablets or loose powder when used as a supplement. In clinical practice, bicarbonate is administered intravenously as a solution.
Range of dosages studied: 0.2 to 0.5 grams of sodium bicarbonate per kilogram of body weight (g/kg). This is equivalent to 12–30 g (2–5 teaspoons) in a 60-kg person.
Safety information: Sodium bicarbonate interacts with several drugs, including aspirin, iron sulfate, and rosuvastatin (Crestor). If you use any of these drugs, always consult your doctor before using sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate interacts with several conditions, including sodium/water balance and acid/base balance, which can affect people with chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure. If you have these conditions, always consult your doctor before using sodium bicarbonate.
Dosage recommendation: For exercise performance benefits, the optimal dose is approximately 0.3 grams per kilogram of body weight (g/kg) taken 1 to 3 hours before exercise. Alternatively, a multiday regimen can be used, consisting of 0.4 to 0.5 g/kg per day, distributed in smaller doses throughout the day (e.g., 0.1 to 0.2 g/kg at breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for 3 to 7 days before the day of exercise.[1]
Take with food: Optional.
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