Effects of single sodium bicarbonate supplementation versus co-ingestion with beta-alanine, creatine, or caffeine on anaerobic performance, buffering capacity, and perceived fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis
摘要
The co-ingestion of supplements has received attention in sports nutrition science due to its potential to enhance anaerobic performance and buffering capacity. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), often co-ingested with beta-alanine, creatine, or caffeine, is widely used, but the synergistic effects remain unclear.
ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of co-ingestion of NaHCO3 with beta-alanine, creatine, or caffeine on exercise and physiological parameters, including anaerobic exercise performance, buffering capacity, blood lactate, and perceived fatigue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of co-ingestion of NaHCO3 with beta-alanine, creatine, or caffeine compared to NaHCO3 alone on anaerobic performance, buffering capacity, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE).
MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted up to January 16, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating acute or chronic co-supplementation involving NaHCO3 and reporting outcomes such as anaerobic power, buffering capacity, blood pH, or power output were included. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment (using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool) were performed independently by two reviewers. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed via the I2 statistic. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias analyses were conducted. Certainty of evidence was analyzed using GRADE.
ResultsA total of 14 randomized controlled trials were included. Analyses by supplement type showed that co-ingestion of sodium bicarbonate with beta-alanine, creatine, or caffeine did not significantly improve mean or peak power compared with NaHCO3 alone. However, the co-ingestion of NaHCO3 and creatine was associated with a significant reduction in blood lactate levels (SMD = − 0.405; 95% CI: − 0.725 to − 0.086; p = 0.013). In the overall pooled analysis across all co-ingestion protocols, no significant differences were observed for mean power (SMD = 0.11; 95% CI: − 0.08 to 0.30; p = 0.255; I2 = 0%), peak power (SMD = 0.08; 95% CI: − 0.17 to 0.32; p = 0.535; I2 = 0%), blood lactate (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: − 0.24 to 0.92; p = 0.248; I2 = 84.5%), and HCO₃⁻ (SMD = − 0.16; 95% CI: − 0.57 to 0.25; p = 0.437; I2 = 77.3%. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test, and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings.
ConclusionCo-ingestion of NaHCO3 with beta-alanine, creatine, or caffeine does not appear to provide additional benefits over single supplementation for improving anaerobic performance or buffering capacity, though specific combinations may influence certain physiological markers such as blood lactate.