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Sodium bicarbonate ingestion does not attenuate the VO2 slow component during constant-load exercise
K L Heck1, J A Potteiger, K L Nau
1Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045, USA.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition
|April 16, 1998
Summary
Sodium bicarbonate ingestion did not improve oxygen consumption during prolonged exercise. While blood pH and bicarbonate levels increased, the VO2 slow component remained unchanged, indicating no performance benefit.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The VO2 slow component reflects metabolic strain during sustained exercise.
- Sodium bicarbonate is often used to buffer acid-base changes during intense exercise.
- Its effect on the VO2 slow component requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on the VO2 slow component.
- To determine if altering blood pH and bicarbonate levels affects exercise oxygen consumption.
Main Methods:
- Twelve physically active males completed two 30-minute cycling trials above lactate threshold.
- Subjects ingested either sodium bicarbonate or a placebo in a randomized, counterbalanced manner.
- Blood samples analyzed pH, bicarbonate, and lactate; expired gas measured VO2.
Main Results:
- Sodium bicarbonate significantly increased blood pH and bicarbonate concentration compared to placebo.
- No significant differences in blood lactate concentration were observed between conditions.
- The VO2 slow component did not differ significantly between sodium bicarbonate and placebo trials.
Conclusions:
- Sodium bicarbonate ingestion effectively alters extracellular acid-base balance during exercise.
- Despite altered acid-base status, sodium bicarbonate did not attenuate the VO2 slow component.
- These findings suggest no ergogenic effect of sodium bicarbonate on VO2 kinetics in this context.