Sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine supplementation:
Is combining both better than either alone? A systematic review
and meta-analysis

Terence Curran-Bowen; André Guedes da Silva; Gabriel Barreto; John Buckley; Bryan Saunders

doi:10.5114/biolsport.2024.132997

eISSN: 2083-1862
ISSN: 0860-021X

Biology of Sport

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3/2024
vol. 41

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abstract:

Review paper

Sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine supplementation: Is combining both better than either alone? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Terence Curran-Bowen

¹

,

André Guedes da Silva

²

,

Gabriel Barreto

²

,

John Buckley

³

,

Bryan Saunders

^{2, 4, 5}

Centre for Active Living, University Centre Shrewsbury, University of Chester, Shrewsbury, UK
Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport; Rheumatology Division; Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Keele University, School of Allied Health Professions, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine FMUSP, University of São Paulo, Brazil
Nutrology Academy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Biol Sport. 2024; 41(3): 79–87

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2024.132997

Online publish date: 2024/01/02

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This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of combined beta alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on exercise capacity and performance. Four databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web Of Science and MEDLINE) were searched using relevant terms for studies involving healthy (e.g. no chronic diseases or conditions) male or female adults of any training status (athletes, physically active and nonathletes) and that investigated BA and SB in isolation and combination at any dose on an exercise outcome. Ten studies, totalling 243 individuals, met the criteria with 12 outcomes for each nutritional supplement. No ergogenic effect was detected in this meta-analysis for BA (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI: -0.06; 0.43, p = 0.13, tau² = 0, tau = 0, I² = 0.0%) or SB (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI: -0.08; 0.41, p = 0.16, tau² = 0, tau = 0, I² = 0.0%) in isolation. However, there was a beneficial effect for the combination of BA and SB (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.07; 0.57, p = 0.02, tau² = 0, tau = 0, I² = 0.0%). Meta-regression identified no differences between supplementing with BA or SB separately (F = 0.58; p = 0.57). Combining BA and SB improved exercise performance, however, there was no benefit in taking these supplements individually.

keywords:

Sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine supplementation: Is combining both better than either alone? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Terence Curran-Bowen 1 , André Guedes da Silva 2 , Gabriel Barreto 2 , John Buckley 3 , Bryan Saunders 2, 4, 5

Ergogenic Aids, Fatigue, Nutrition, Sport, Exercise, Performance

Terence Curran-Bowen

¹

,

André Guedes da Silva

²

,

Gabriel Barreto

²

,

John Buckley

³

,

Bryan Saunders

^{2, 4, 5}