Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate on Endurance in Female Runners

The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Intake on Endurance Performance in Recreational Female Runners

Not applicable Interventional Hacettepe University · NCT06826222

This study tests if taking sodium bicarbonate can help female runners improve their endurance during long, intense workouts while also making sure they feel comfortable.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment19 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexFemale
SponsorHacettepe University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara, Ankara)
Trial IDNCT06826222 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on endurance performance specifically in recreational female runners. It aims to explore how sodium bicarbonate, known for its buffering capacity, can enhance performance during prolonged high-intensity exercise while minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort through a carbohydrate-rich meal protocol. The research focuses on female athletes, a group often underrepresented in sports performance studies, to understand the unique physiological effects of sodium bicarbonate on their endurance capabilities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are recreational female runners aged 18-40 who have been training regularly for at least a year and can complete a 10 km race at a pace below 6.00 min/km.

Not a fit: Patients with acute or chronic conditions affecting physical activity, or those with gastrointestinal disorders, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide female athletes with an effective strategy to improve their endurance performance during high-intensity running.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have shown positive effects of sodium bicarbonate on performance, this specific focus on female athletes is relatively novel and underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female, aged 18-40.
* Recreational runner with a minimum one-year history of regular training (at least three days per week).
* Experience in races of 10 km or more (verified by an official race result).
* Ability to complete a 10 km distance at an average pace below 6.00 min/km (confirmed through best-record evidence via applications like Strava).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Usage of any medications or supplements that could impact metabolism.
* Presence of any acute or chronic condition limiting physical activity (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or respiratory issues).
* Alcohol and/or smoking habits.
* Adherence to a specific diet influencing metabolism during the study period (intermittent fasting, ketogenic, vegan diets, etc.).
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding during the study period.
* Severe menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea.
* Body Mass Index (BMI) outside the range of 18.5-30.
* History of gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., IBS, Crohn's disease).
* Allergy or intolerance to sodium bicarbonate or related compounds.
* History of disordered eating.

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Ankara

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions The Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Endurance Performance in Recreational Female RunnersSodium BicarbonateFemale AthletesEndurance PerformanceRunningBuffering Capasity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.