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4Optional

Sodium bicarbonate

Also sold as Baking soda, bicarb

Buffering agent for short intense efforts; notorious for GI upset.

4TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 4Take by choice, or not at all
Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.

How long to take it

Competition-day use only.

Who it's actually for

Athletes in one to seven minute maximal efforts.

Safe upper limit

Unverified
0.2–0.3 g per kg body weight per dose; not for regular use
High sodium load. Can cause severe GI distress, and is risky with heart or kidney conditions.
No source attached yet. Treat this as a starting point, not a citation, until reviewed.

Interactions to know about

  • Blood pressure medicationBeta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors
  • Reduced kidney functionCKD, dialysis, or a single kidney
  • Diuretics (water tablets)Furosemide, bendroflumethiazide, spironolactone
  • Acid blockersOmeprazole, lansoprazole, famotidine

Other supplements:

Run your full list through the interaction check.

Practical notes

  • Test it in training, never for the first time on race day.
  • Split doses with food reduces the GI misery.
  • Avoid entirely with hypertension or kidney disease.