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Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation in Athletes

Phase 3
Completed
Conditions
Supplementation
Sport
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Sodium bicarbonate supplementation
Dietary Supplement: Placebo treatment
Registration Number
NCT03165357
Lead Sponsor
Poznan University of Life Sciences
Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
26
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.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Sodium bicarbonateSodium bicarbonate supplementationGroup taking oral NaHCO3 supplementation in a progressive-dose regimen. Interventions: The experimental procedure for each athlete included a 10-day NaHCO3 supplementation in a progressive-dose regimen in order to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects (from 37.5 to 150 mg ∙ kg-1). NaHCO3 was administered in the form of unmarked disk-shaped tablets (Alkala T, SANUM, Poland). The tablets were ingested with at least 250 mL of water and could be either swallowed or dissolved in the mouth. On training days the supplements were taken in the morning, in the evening and 1.5 hours before training session. On rest days the supplements were taken in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. Between the 10-day NaHCO3 and PLA or a PLA and NaHCO3 treatments, a 14-day washout period was introduced.
Placebo (maltodextrin)Placebo treatmentGroup taking oral supplementation with placebo (maltodextrin). Interventions: The experimental procedure for each athlete included a 10-day placebo administration. Placebo was ingested with at least 250 mL of water. On training days the supplements were taken in the morning, in the evening and 1.5 hours before training session. On rest days the supplements were taken in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. Between the 10-day NaHCO3 and PLA or a PLA and NaHCO3 treatments, a 14-day washout period was introduced.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in aerobic capacity after sodium bicarbonate supplementationBaseline and after 10 days

The incremental cycling test (ICT)

Changes in specific performance capacity after sodium bicarbonate supplementationBaseline and after 10 days

The CrossFit-specific physical fitness test: Fight Gone Bad (FGB)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in fat mass and fat free mass after sodium bicarbonate supplementationBaseline and after 10 days

Fat mass (kg) and fat free mass (kg) analysis

Changes of red and white blood cell concentration in blood after sodium bicarbonate supplementationBaseline and after 10 days

Red blood cells (RBC) \[mln/mm³\] and white blood cells (WBC) \[mln/mm³\] concentration analysis

Changes in blood glucose and hemoglobin concentration after sodium bicarbonate supplementationBaseline and after 10 days

Hemoglobin (Hb) \[g/dl\] and glucose \[g/dl\] concentration analysis

Changes of lactate and pyruvate concentration in blood after sodium bicarbonate supplementationBaseline and after 10 days

Lactate \[mmol/L\] and pyruvate \[mmol/L\] concentration analysis

Changes in blood hematocrit levels after sodium bicarbonate supplementationBaseline and after 10 days

Hematocrit (HCT) \[%\] level analysis

Changes of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity in blood after sodium bicarbonate supplementationBaseline and after 10 days

Creatine kinase \[U/L\] and lactate dehydrogenase \[U/L\] activity analysis

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Poznan University of Life Sciences, ul.Wojska Polskiego 31

🇵🇱

Poznań, Wielkopolska, Poland

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