Is baking soda your next great fuelling tool?

October 3, 2024

It might sound like a kitchen hack gone wrong, but many endurance athletes swear by baking soda, this household staple for improving performance (and the hydrogel company Maurten created an expensive product around it). Here’s what you need to know to help you decide whether this idea is half-baked, or if it’s the key to your next PB.

A wide range of studies show that athletes who consume baking soda before high-intensity efforts may experience improved performance. But can it help you on those longer-distance runs? While more research is needed, some studies suggest that sodium bicarbonate might boost post-exercise recovery, with other research suggesting it may help runners speed up, even after hours of training. Running Magazine