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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-07-2020 | Alkalosis | Original Article

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

Authors: Nathan Philip Hilton, Nicholas Keith Leach, Melissa May Hilton, S. Andy Sparks, Lars Robert McNaughton

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 7/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Enteric-coated sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) 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 NaHCO₃ 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 NaHCO₃ in enteric-coated or gelatin capsules. Exercise trials were timed with individual peak blood bicarbonate ion concentration ([HCO₃^–]). 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 NaHCO₃ conditions (P < 0.0005) when compared to placebo. Performance time was faster with enteric-coated (− 8.5 ± 9.6 s, P = 0.044) and gelatin (− 9.6 ± 7.2 s, P = 0.004) NaHCO₃ compared to placebo, with no significant difference between conditions (mean difference = 1.1 ± 5.3 s, P = 1.000). Physiological responses were similar between conditions, although blood lactate ion concentration was higher with gelatin NaHCO₃ (2.4 ± 1.7 mmol∙L^–1, P = 0.003) compared with placebo. Furthermore, fewer participants experienced GI symptoms with enteric-coated (n = 3) compared to gelatin (n = 7) NaHCO₃.

Discussion

Acute enteric-coated NaHCO₃ consumption mitigates GI symptoms at the onset of exercise and improves subsequent 4 km cycling TT performance. Athletes who experience GI side-effects after acute bicarbonate loading may, therefore, benefit from enteric-coated NaHCO₃ supplementation prior to exercise performance.

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Title: Enteric-coated sodium bicarbonate supplementation improves high-intensity cycling performance in trained cyclists
Authors: Nathan Philip Hilton
Nicholas Keith Leach
Melissa May Hilton
S. Andy Sparks
Lars Robert McNaughton
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Alkalosis
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04387-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Discussion

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