Minerals
Sodium bicarbonate
Also called: baking soda, bicarbonate
An alkaline salt that buffers acid.
- Why people take it
- High-intensity sport, indigestion.
- What the evidence says
- Improves performance in short, intense efforts in some athletes.
- How it is usually taken
- Athletes take about 0.2 to 0.3 g per kg of body weight 1 to 3 hours before exercise, often split up to reduce stomach upset.
- Be careful
- Causes stomach upset and bloating; high sodium. Not for people with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease.
- Medicines it can interact with
- Adds a lot of sodium: avoid with heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease. Changes how many medicines are absorbed and excreted.
Other minerals
Common questions
What is Sodium bicarbonate?
An alkaline salt that buffers acid.
Why do people take Sodium bicarbonate?
High-intensity sport, indigestion.
Does Sodium bicarbonate work?
Improves performance in short, intense efforts in some athletes.
How much Sodium bicarbonate do people take?
Athletes take about 0.2 to 0.3 g per kg of body weight 1 to 3 hours before exercise, often split up to reduce stomach upset.
Is Sodium bicarbonate safe?
Causes stomach upset and bloating; high sodium. Not for people with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease.
Does Sodium bicarbonate interact with medicines?
Adds a lot of sodium: avoid with heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease. Changes how many medicines are absorbed and excreted.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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