Abstract
Blood alkalosis, as indicated by an increased blood bicarbonate concentration and pH, has been shown to be beneficial for exercise performance. Sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and sodium or calcium lactate, can all result in increased circulating bicarbonate and have all independently been shown to improve exercise capacity and performance under various circumstances. Although there is considerable evidence demonstrating the efficacy of these supplements in several sports-specific situations, it is commonly acknowledged that their efficacy is equivocal, due to contrasting evidence. Herein, we discuss the physiological and environmental factors that may modify the effectiveness of these supplements including, (i) absolute changes in circulating bicarbonate; (ii) supplement timing, (iii) the exercise task performed, (iv) monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) activity; (v) training status, and (vi) associated side-effects. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the factors which may modify the response to these supplements, so that individuals can use this information to attempt to optimize supplementation and allow the greatest possibility of an ergogenic effect.
Highlights
Substances capable of increasing extracellular buffering capacity to combat exercise induced acidosis have been researched for almost a century
Despite considerable evidence demonstrating these supplements to be effective in specific situations [2, 3], it is commonly acknowledged that their efficacy is equivocal due to contrasting evidence
The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the potential modifying factors underlying the individual response to supplementation with extracellular buffering agents
Summary
Substances capable of increasing extracellular buffering capacity to combat exercise induced acidosis have been researched for almost a century. Contradictory results from different investigations are commonly cited to highlight that the ergogenic effect from increased bicarbonate concentration is highly variable and is due to a variability in the individual responses This may be oversimplifying the complex nature of individual responses Identification of any modifying factors that may alter the individual response to supplementation with extracellular buffering agents would provide vital information to clinicians, coaches, and athletes about the likelihood of gaining a positive or negative response. This would aid them in making fully informed decisions and optimize each individual’s personal supplementation protocol. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the potential modifying factors underlying the individual response to supplementation with extracellular buffering agents
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