Can Keely Hodgkinson's 15 Baking Soda Pills Boost My Cycling?

Athletes including the women's 800m medal hope describe Bicarb System as a game-changer.

Research suggesting the performance-enhancing properties of sodium bicarbonate - a household substance better known for its cake-making abilities - has prompted a surge of interest in the supplement, with some athletes claiming it can help them push harder for longer.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, often abbreviated to bicarb, has been investigated for its potential to improve exercise performance since the 1930s. It is thought to work by neutralizing the lactic acid that builds up in muscles during exercise, which can cause fatigue.

One study, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, found that cyclists who took 300mg of sodium bicarbonate per kilogram of body weight 90 minutes before a 1-hour time trial improved their performance by 2.4%. Another study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that weightlifters who took 200mg of sodium bicarbonate per kilogram of body weight before a workout were able to perform more repetitions of the bench press and squat exercises.

Swedish sports nutrition company Maurten have developed a gel featuring sodium bicarbonate - otherwise known as baking soda - which has been used by several top athletes, including British cyclist Geraint Thomas and Norwegian skier Therese Johaug.

Essentially, sodium bicarbonate or bicarb is meant to help mitigate the build up of lactic acid in the muscles, which can lead to fatigue during exercise. By neutralizing the lactic acid, bicarb can potentially help athletes perform better for longer periods of time. However, it's important to note that more research is still needed to fully understand the effects of bicarb on athletic performance. Additionally, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, including bicarb.