Evidence supporting the use of: Bicarbonate (unspecified)
For the body system: Muscles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Bicarbonate, particularly in the form of sodium bicarbonate, is scientifically validated for its role in supporting the muscular system, especially in the context of exercise performance. Studies have shown that bicarbonate acts as a buffering agent, helping to neutralize the accumulation of lactic acid and hydrogen ions in muscles during high-intensity exercise. This buffering effect can delay the onset of muscle fatigue and improve performance in activities that involve short bursts of intense effort, such as sprinting or high-intensity interval training.
Multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that acute supplementation with sodium bicarbonate can enhance exercise capacity, particularly in events lasting 1-7 minutes. The typical protocol involves ingesting 0.2-0.3 g/kg body weight of sodium bicarbonate 60-180 minutes before exercise. The ergogenic effects are attributed to an increased extracellular buffering capacity, which helps maintain optimal pH levels in muscle tissue during anaerobic metabolism.
While individual responses vary and gastrointestinal discomfort is a potential side effect, the scientific consensus supports the use of bicarbonate as an effective, evidence-based supplement for improving muscular endurance and performance in specific athletic contexts. However, its use is less relevant for general muscle health or low-intensity activities.
Other ingredients that support Muscles
acetyl l-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
beta-alanine
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
caffeine
calcium
cherry
chloride
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
devil's claw
dong quai root
fish protein
forskohlii root
l-isoleucine
iron
kale
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-proline
l-taurine
l-threonine
l-valine
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
milk
nicotinamide riboside
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
potassium
protein
quinoa
rhizome
sardines
black ginger
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
tongkat ali
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
whey protein
white willow
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
squawvine
sodium salt
solomon's seal
siler root
eucommia
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
guelder rose
polyphenols
trace minerals
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
wheat germ
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
arnica
17 alpha methyl 17 beta hydroxy 5 alpha androst 2 ene
17a-di methyl-bol
11-Ketotestosterone
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Animal Tissue
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Avocado
Anserina
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Acetylcholine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine silicate
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Biopeptide
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Black Gram
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
banana
BCAA
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Carnosine
Citrate malate
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cyanotis Vaga
Coca
Coconut Water
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Creatine
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Cyanotis arachnoides
DL-Methionine
Deer Velvet
Date
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Dipeptide
epicatechin
Epistane
Egg
Erythrina
Elk antler
Emu Oil
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Essential Oil Blend
Egg protein
fibroblast growth factor
glucose
Glycine
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Phosphate Salt
Potash
Quinoa Protein
salt
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Bicarbonate (unspecified)
BloodDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Intestinal System
Kidneys
Muscles
Respiratory System
Stomach
Urinary System