Questions. Answered.
Dosing, timing, safety, the hydrogel, and where to buy — the most common questions about sodium bicarbonate and BICARB.NET, answered straight.
Everything you need to know.
No. Sodium bicarbonate is not on the WADA prohibited list. It is legal for use in all sports at all levels of competition, including Olympic events.
The evidence-based dose is 0.3g per kg of body weight. One 60g sachet contains 19g of sodium bicarbonate — a full 0.3g/kg dose for a ~63kg athlete. Heavier athletes scale up, and the dose calculator gives your exact amount.
Take it 60–90 minutes before your race or hard session. This allows peak blood bicarbonate elevation to coincide with the start of your effort. Take it at least 1 hour after your last meal.
Raw sodium bicarbonate reacts with stomach acid (HCl) immediately, producing CO₂ gas that causes bloating and nausea. BICARB.NET's hydrogel system encases the bicarb in a gel matrix that protects it from stomach acid and releases it in the small intestine instead.
The strongest evidence is for high-intensity efforts lasting 45 seconds to 8 minutes: 800m–3000m running, cycling intervals, rowing, CrossFit WODs, combat sports, and swimming sprints. Less evidence exists for steady-state aerobic efforts over 10K pace.
No. Due to the high sodium load, maximum 3 doses per week. Reduce dietary sodium from other sources on days you take it, and stay well hydrated.
Both use a hydrogel system to protect sodium bicarbonate from stomach acid. Maurten uses pectin and sodium alginate; BICARB.NET uses xanthan gum. The functional mechanism is the same. Maurten costs $17.50/serving; BICARB.NET costs $5.
Dietary supplements are not FDA 'approved' — that category is for drugs. BICARB.NET is manufactured in an FDA-registered facility under 21 CFR Part 111 (cGMP), which is the correct regulatory status for dietary supplements in the United States.
Yes. The two supplements have complementary mechanisms — bicarb buffers extracellularly (in the blood), beta-alanine builds intracellular carnosine (inside muscles). Research supports their combined use for additive effects.
Pour one 60g sachet into 60–80ml of cold water in a shaker bottle. Shake for 90 seconds. Let rest 3–5 minutes until the gel thickens. Drink the entire gel in one go 60–90 minutes before effort.
Batch 1 — 100 hand-weighed sachets — sold out in person at Paly Track. There won't be another batch: Bicarb 2.0 has been cancelled. We had the pellets — then our supplier backed out at the last moment and stole our deposit. bicarb.net is now closed.
Sodium bicarbonate is a food ingredient with an extensive safety record. BICARB.NET is formulated for athletes 18+, consistent with standard supplement industry practice. High school athletes should consult with a coach or sports dietitian before adding any supplement to their routine.
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Batch 1 sold out at Paly Track. Bicarb 2.0 has been cancelled. We had the pellets — then our supplier backed out at the last moment and stole our deposit. bicarb.net is now closed. Questions? Email us and we'll answer straight.