Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation in Athletes

The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Physical Capacity and Body Composition in Trained Athletes

The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of 10-day sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and placebo (PLA) supplementation on body composition, physical capacity, as well as concentrations of the selected biochemical blood markers in trained athletes, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) was proposed as an ergogenic agent, because it improves high-intensity and resistance exercise performance. Until now the major limitation to NaHCO3 supplementation has been the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of chronic, progressive- dose NaHCO3 ingestion on physical capacity, body composition and concentrations of the selected biochemical blood markers in trained athletes, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• written consent to participate,
• a current medical clearance to practice sports,
• training experience: at least 2 years (of CrossFit training),
• minimum of 3 workout sessions (CrossFit) a week,
• 20-43 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• current injury,
• any health-related contraindication,
• declared general feeling of being unwell,
• unwilling to follow the study protocol.