Enteric-coated sodium bicarbonate supplementation improves high-intensity cycling performance in trained cyclists

Purpose Enteric-coated sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) can attenuate gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms following acute bicarbonate loading, although the subsequent effects on exercise performance have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of enteric-coated NaHCO 3 supplementation on high-intensity exercise performance and GI symptoms. Methods Eleven trained male cyclists completed three 4 km time trials after consuming; a placebo or 0.3 g∙kg –1 body mass NaHCO 3 in enteric-coated or gelatin capsules. Exercise trials were timed with individual peak blood bicarbonate ion concentration ([HCO 3 – ]). Blood acid–base balance was measured pre-ingestion, pre-exercise, and post-exercise, whereas GI symptoms were recorded pre-ingestion and immediately pre-exercise. Results Pre-exercise blood [HCO3 − ] and potential hydrogen (pH) were greater for both NaHCO 3 conditions ( P