Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion and Exercise Dosage Revisited

High intensity exercise results in an excess of hydrogen ions and acute, transient reductions in blood and muscle pH. Sodium bicarbonate ingestion is a strategy employed by many athletes to increase the buffering capacity for such hydrogen ions in an attempt to offset acidosis and improve or maintain performance. However, the acute doses used in such scenarios can result in gastrointestinal discomfort. More recent work has considered lower doses and determination of individual peaks in alkalosis. This commentary will overview conventional ingestion strategies and consider a complimentary approach to ingestion dosage in relation to a range of body masses.