Potential of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in coping with difficult training loads and pH homeostasis

Backround: Acidosis, one of the body's post-exercise responses, is important for athletic performance due to its effect on the pH level. The accumulation of hydrogen ions (H + ) after exercise causes a decrease in myoplasmic pH, which leads to fatigue. This study aims to compile studies examining the effect of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on the pH level under challenging training conditions. Method: In the study, studies conducted in the past decade were examined using the keywords "training, pH and bicarbonate" using the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Thus, 532 studies were reached. These articles were limited to studies in the form of aerobic training, anaerobic training, and high-intensity interval training. Additionally, pilot studies, systematic/meta-analysis reviews, congress abstracts, case reports, and those not published in English were excluded. In this context, 7 articles were included in the research. Results: It has been observed that the pH decreases to an acidic level in athletes who do not take sodium bicarbonate supplements during intense training periods. It has also been observed that the pH level remains normal in athletes taking sodium bicarbonate. In addition, it is understood that the pH levels of athletes taking sodium bicarbonate supplements remain at normal levels, but there are increases in maximum running speed, strength, and power parameters. Moreover, sodium bicarbonate supplementation also led to a decrease in blood lactate levels. Conlusion: Athletes can keep the pH at an acceptable level and improve performance parameters with sodium bicarbonate supplementation during intense training or competition periods.