#580: Sodium Bicarbonate for Sports Performance – Prof. Lewis Gough

#580: Sodium Bicarbonate for Sports Performance – Prof. Lewis Gough

Author: Danny Lennon October 14, 2025 Duration: 1:02:45

Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most consistently supported ergogenic aids in sports nutrition research, yet its underlying mechanisms and real-world applications remain widely misunderstood.

More recent developments have focused on how to optimise both the timing and formulation of supplementation. The "individualised ingestion timing" approach has emerged as a practical strategy, recognising that the time-to-peak blood bicarbonate concentration varies considerably between individuals.

Similarly, novel formulations are being explored to address issues with gastrointestinal distress and practicality of dosing. These include topical approaches such as sodium bicarbonate lotion, and commercial products like Maurten's "Bicarb System."

In this episode, Prof. Lewis Gough joins to discuss the latest evidence on sodium bicarbonate and performance, its mechanisms, novel delivery systems, and the key directions for future research.

Dr. Lewis Gough is a Professor of Nutrition and Physiology at Birmingham City University. He is globally recognized for his research on sodium bicarbonate supplementation in sport, and his work spans applied sport and exercise nutrition, exercise metabolism, acid–base balance, and fatigue.

Timestamps

  • [03:12] Professor Gough's academic journey
  • [06:29] Mechanisms of sodium bicarbonate and historical perspective on lactate
  • [11:21] Sodium bicarbonate's role in performance
  • [22:45] Individual responses to sodium bicarbonate
  • [26:53] Timing strategies for sodium bicarbonate
  • [32:38] Individualized approach to sodium bicarbonate timing
  • [36:47] Traditional vs. novel delivery methods
  • [44:27] Practical recommendations for athletes
  • [51:18] Future research directions
  • [01:02:08] Key Ideas segment

Resources


Sigma Nutrition Radio, hosted by nutrition scientist Danny Lennon, moves beyond the noise of diet trends and simplistic advice to explore the complex, fascinating world of human nutrition. This is a space for deep, evidence-based conversations that acknowledge the nuance and often contradictory nature of scientific research. Each episode delves into a specific topic within health, fitness, or dietetics, breaking down the underlying physiology, examining the latest studies, and discussing practical implications with expert guests. The goal isn't to hand out rigid meal plans but to cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing landscape of nutritional science. You'll hear detailed analyses of how research is conducted, thoughtful debates on contentious issues, and explorations of how evidence translates-or doesn't-into real-world recommendations for different individuals. Tuning into this podcast means committing to a more sophisticated understanding of how food, movement, and metabolism interact, leaving you better equipped to make informed decisions about your own health and skepticism towards the next big headline. Danny’s approach is both rigorous and accessible, making even the most detailed biochemical pathways relevant to everyday life. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the real story behind a nutrition claim and values substance over soundbites.
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