Formulations: Sodium bicarbonate (often referred to as sodium bicarb, bicarb, baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda) is taken as tablets or loose powder when used as a supplement. In clinical practice, bicarbonate is administered intravenously as a solution.

Range of dosages studied: 0.2 to 0.5 grams of sodium bicarbonate per kilogram of body weight (g/kg). This is equivalent to 12–30 g (2–5 teaspoons) in a 60-kg person.

Safety information: Sodium bicarbonate interacts with several drugs, including aspirin, iron sulfate, and rosuvastatin (Crestor). If you use any of these drugs, always consult your doctor before using sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate interacts with several conditions, including sodium/water balance and acid/base balance, which can affect people with chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure. If you have these conditions, always consult your doctor before using sodium bicarbonate.

Dosage recommendation: For exercise performance benefits, the optimal dose is approximately 0.3 grams per kilogram of body weight (g/kg) taken 1 to 3 hours before exercise. Alternatively, a multiday regimen can be used, consisting of 0.4 to 0.5 g/kg per day, distributed in smaller doses throughout the day (e.g., 0.1 to 0.2 g/kg at breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for 3 to 7 days before the day of exercise.^[1]

Take with food: Optional.