What is the effect of sodium bicarbonate on sports performance?

Question

Has anyone ever conducted an experiment involving sodium bicarbonate supplementation in the pursuit of enhanced performance? What was the result?

Answer 1

Sodium bicarbonate (or baking soda) has appeared in literature as a pH buffer, which allows for an improvement in performance by having increased pH levels at rest. It’s biggest weakness though, is gastrointestinal distress which can be bypassed by and large by taking the substance 3-4 hours before training or exercise or along with the food. In theory, it has its merits, but it is not advised to be taken for the first time just before an event as it readily increases the chances of GI distress.

Comments

I sometimes drink about 2 tablespoons of disolved baking soda about 1-2 hours before a ride and I always notice two things... First, the occasional big burp and noticeably less discomfort in my legs on climbs.  My average speed doesn't increase any, but I can manage big climbs and headwinds for a longer amount of time.

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So when you say add some sodium bicarbonate to your bottle and your good to go, that was no pun intended?

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What about magnesium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate to lower elevated lactic acid levels?