Evidence supporting the use of: Bicarbonate (mixed)
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Bicarbonate (mixed), commonly referred to as sodium bicarbonate or “bicarb,” is scientifically validated as an ergogenic aid to support athletic performance, particularly in high-intensity, short-duration activities relying on anaerobic glycolysis (e.g., sprinting, rowing, swimming). The rationale is that intense exercise rapidly generates lactic acid, increasing hydrogen ion (H+) concentration and causing muscle acidosis, which impairs muscle contraction and performance. Bicarbonate, as an extracellular buffer, helps to neutralize excess H+, delaying fatigue and allowing athletes to maintain high-intensity efforts for longer.

Numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that acute ingestion of sodium bicarbonate (typically 0.2–0.3 g/kg body weight, ~60–90 minutes before exercise) can significantly improve performance in repeated sprints, high-intensity cycling, and other anaerobic sports. The evidence is strongest for activities lasting 1–7 minutes, where acid accumulation is greatest. Reported improvements in performance typically range from 1–3% compared to placebo. However, efficacy varies between individuals, and gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., bloating, nausea) can limit tolerability.

Current consensus among sports scientists and organizations such as the International Olympic Committee recognizes sodium bicarbonate as an evidence-based supplement for performance enhancement in specific exercise modalities. There is little traditional or historical use; its application arose from modern exercise physiology research. In summary, bicarbonate is a scientifically supported supplement for specific athletic and exercise contexts, with a substantial body of evidence backing its use in buffering exercise-induced acidosis.

More about Bicarbonate (mixed)
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Products containing Bicarbonate (mixed)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.