Sex-dependent responses to acute sodium bicarbonate different dose treatment: A randomized double-blind crossover study

Abstract

This study quantified blood bicarbonate (HCO) kinetics and gastrointestinal upset to determine the gender-related ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate (0.15- [], 0.25- [] and 0.35 g·kg []) in high-intensity functional training-trained athletes. Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover. Thirty high-intensity functional training-trained female ( = 14) and male ( = 16) athletes performed two bouts of the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT and WAnT) interspaced with two 3-min bouts of Wall Balls and Burpees (high-intensity functional training performance) 120 min after ingestion of three sodium bicarbonate doses established relative to fat-free mass: , , , and . Blood HCO was determined pre-ingestion; after supplementation and before exercise at: 30-, 60-, 90-, 105-, and 120 min post-ingestion; and at: 3-, 15-, and 45 min post-exercise. Gastrointestinal upset was evaluated 120 min post-ingestion. Control () measurements (no supplementation) were performed. There were significant × interactions for: changes in blood HCO at 60 min post-ingestion ( = 0.014; = 0.104; at 0.15 g·kg males experienced higher increase than females); PP ( = 0.015; = 0.103) and AP ( = 0.005; = 0.124) during WAnT, and changes in PP between Wingate Anaerobic Test bouts ( = 0.049; = 0.081). Sodium bicarbonate compared to had no significant impact on Wall Balls and Burpees performance. The dose of 0.35 g·kg resulted in higher less severe gastrointestinal symptoms compared to and 0.15 g·kg ( = 0.001; = 0.178); and higher total gastrointestinal upset compared to , and 0.15 g·kg ( < 0.001; = 0.323). This study indicated dose- and gender-related differences in extracellular buffering capacity and ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate. The study suggested a detrimental impact of gastrointestinal upset on performance.