Sex-dependent responses to acute sodium bicarbonate different dose treatment: A randomized double-blind crossover study

Author(s)

Durkalec-Michalski, Krzysztof ; Nowaczyk, Paulina M. ; Saunders, Bryan ; Carr, Amelia ; Kaminska, Joanna ; Stef, Michal ; Podgorski, Tomasz

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT; v. 28, n. 2, p. 12-pg., 2025-02-01.

Abstract

Objectives: This study quantified blood bicarbonate (HCO3-) kinetics and gastrointestinal upset to determine the gender-related ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate (0.15-, 0.25- and 0.35 g(SB)<middle dot>kg(Fat-free mass (FFM))(-1)) in high intensity functional training. Design: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover. Methods: Thirty female and male athletes performed two bouts of the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT(PRE-HIFT) and WAnT(POST-HIFT)) interspaced with two 3-min bouts of Wall Balls and Burpees 120 min after ingestion of three sodium bicarbonate doses. Blood HCO3- was determined pre-ingestion, after supplementation and before/post exercise. Gastrointestinal upset was evaluated 120 min post-ingestion. Control (CTRL) measurements were performed. Results: There were significant gender x treatment interactions for: changes in blood HCO3- at 60 min post-ingestion (p = 0.014; eta(2)(p) = 0.104; at 0.15 g(SB)<middle dot>kg(FFM)(-1) males experienced higher increase than females); peak power (p = 0.015; eta(2)(p) = 0.103) and average power (p = 0.005; eta(2)(p) = 0.124) during WAnT(POST-HIFT), and changes in peak power between the Wingate Anaerobic Test bouts (p = 0.049; eta(2)(p) = 0.081). Sodium bicarbonate compared to PLA had no significant impact on Wall Balls and Burpees performance. The dose of 0.35 g(SB)<middle dot>kg(FFM)(-1) resulted in higher less severe gastrointestinal symptoms compared to CTRL and 0.15 g(SB)<middle dot>kg(FFM)(-1) (p = 0.001; W = 0.178); and higher total gastrointestinal upset compared to CTRL, PLA and 0.15 g(SB)<middle dot>kg(FFM)(-1) (p < 0.001; W = 0.323). Conclusions: There were dose- and gender-related differences in extracellular buffering capacity and ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate. The study suggested a detrimental impact of gastrointestinal upset on performance. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/50438-0 - Nutritional suplementation and exercise to optimize exercise performance: focus on individual responses and a step towards personalized sports nutrition
• Grantee: Bryan Saunders
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/06836-0 - Placebo in sports and exercise: prevalence, conditioning and open-placebo
• Grantee: Bryan Saunders
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants - Phase 2