Investigating the effect of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on anaerobic performance, serum I-FABP protein, and metabolic responses of female athletes

The use of nutritional interventions, food supplements such as sodium bicarbonate, can improve sports performance and athlete's health and prevent fatigue. It is recommended to prevent early fatigue and improve performance during competition. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on anaerobic performance, serum I-FABP protein and metabolic responses of trained women during increasing sports activity.  

15 female athletes with an average age of 21.80 ± 1.10 participated in this research. Three targeted intervention methods were studied using placebo and sodium bicarbonate in amounts of 0.3 and 0.5 g/kg body weight. The Wingate test was conducted in three stages. The indexes of maximum anaerobic power, average power and fatigue index were evaluated using the Wingate test. Measurement of I-FABP index, pH, HCO3 and lactate was also done by taking blood from the vein.

The research results showed that there is no significant difference between the groups in average power, fatigue index and blood indices. Only, the results of the peak anaerobic power index at the 0.5 dose were significant (p<0.05).At the 0.3 dose, there was no significant difference between the groups in peak power, average power, fatigue index and blood indices.

Taking sodium bicarbonate supplement at a dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight in women can significantly increase the maximum anaerobic power in these athletes. Also, consuming this amount of bicarbonate supplement does not cause any digestive damage.