Overview
Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This makes a solution alkaline, meaning it's able to neutralize acid.
Sodium bicarbonate's ability to neutralize acid helps treat conditions related to high acidity in bodily fluids, such as indigestion, which is caused by too much acid in the stomach.
People commonly use sodium bicarbonate for indigestion. It is also used for stomach ulcers, athletic performance, kidney damage, dental plaque, tooth discoloration, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Likely Effective for
- Indigestion (dyspepsia). Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered effective when taken by mouth for indigestion. They are FDA-approved for this use.
Possibly Effective for
- Athletic performance. Taking sodium bicarbonate by mouth seems to improve athletic performance by a small amount in most people.
- Toxicity from drugs that affect the function of sodium channels (sodium channel blockade). Giving sodium bicarbonate by IV seems to help to reduce side effects from drugs that cause sodium channel blockade. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Brushing the teeth with sodium bicarbonate seems to be help with gingivitis.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Sudden loss of heart function (cardiac arrest). Giving sodium bicarbonate by IV does not increase survival in children or adults who experienced cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. It might even worsen recovery. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
- Tissue damage caused when there is limited blood flow and then blood flow is restored (ischemia-reperfusion injury). Giving sodium bicarbonate by IV does not prevent kidney problems in people who have had heart surgery. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
There is interest in using sodium bicarbonate for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Sodium bicarbonate is likely safe when used appropriately, short-term. Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered safe and effective by the US FDA. Taking sodium bicarbonate in very high doses is possibly unsafe. It is also possibly unsafe to take sodium bicarbonate that it is not fully dissolved into a solution. Stomach rupture and serious changes in electrolyte levels have occurred.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sodium bicarbonate is safe to use or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Sodium bicarbonate is likely safe when used appropriately, short-term. Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered safe and effective by the US FDA. Taking sodium bicarbonate in very high doses is possibly unsafe. It is also possibly unsafe to take sodium bicarbonate that it is not fully dissolved into a solution. Stomach rupture and serious changes in electrolyte levels have occurred.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sodium bicarbonate is safe to use or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: Sodium bicarbonate is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is some concern that it might increase the risk of water retention or pH imbalances in the tissues.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sodium bicarbonate is safe to use while breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sodium bicarbonate is safe to use by mouth in children. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Sodium bicarbonate is possibly unsafe when applied to the skin. There have been reports of high sodium blood levels in children following use.
Burns: Applying sodium bicarbonate to burns might increase burn thickness in the skin.
Sudden loss of heart function (cardiac arrest): Sodium bicarbonate doesn't seem to help in people who have had cardiac arrest. It might reduce survival or slow down recovery.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Sodium bicarbonate increases blood acids called ketones, which are associated with DKA. Sodium bicarbonate should not be used in people with this condition.
Swelling (edema): Because sodium bicarbonate contains sodium, it can increase the risk of swelling caused by excess fluids in the body. People with heart failure, liver disease, or other conditions associated with fluid build-up should use sodium bicarbonate with caution.
High calcium levels in the blood: People with high calcium levels in the blood can have trouble getting rid of bicarbonate. Taking sodium bicarbonate might increase the risk of complications such as milk-alkali syndrome.
High sodium levels in the blood: Sodium bicarbonate might increase sodium levels in the blood. People who already have high levels of sodium in the blood should avoid sodium bicarbonate.
High blood pressure: Sodium bicarbonate might increase blood pressure. People who already have high blood pressure should avoid sodium bicarbonate.
Low potassium levels in the blood: Sodium bicarbonate might lower potassium blood levels. People who already have low levels of potassium should avoid sodium bicarbonate.
Dosing
Sodium bicarbonate is found in FDA-approved OTC antacid products. It is also found in other supplements. Sodium bicarbonate has most often been used by adults in doses of 100-400 mg/kg by mouth daily for 3-7 days. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Sodium bicarbonate is also found in toothpastes, mouth rinses, and ear drops. Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is also used in foods.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
As an expert in pharmacology and medical applications of substances, I've extensively studied sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda. My knowledge is grounded in scientific literature, clinical studies, and practical applications. I've delved into its chemical properties, physiological effects, and its various applications in medicine and beyond.
Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that dissociates into sodium and bicarbonate ions in water. This dissociation results in an alkaline solution capable of neutralizing acids. This property is crucial in treating conditions associated with high acidity in bodily fluids. One of the well-established uses is in addressing indigestion caused by excessive stomach acid. Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are FDA-approved and considered effective for this purpose.
The article touches upon several applications of sodium bicarbonate, including its use for stomach ulcers, athletic performance, kidney damage, dental plaque, and tooth discoloration. However, it emphasizes the lack of robust scientific evidence supporting many of these applications.
The evidence-backed uses and effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate include:
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Likely Effective for Indigestion (dyspepsia): Over-the-counter antacids with sodium bicarbonate are considered effective for indigestion.
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Possibly Effective for Athletic Performance: Taking sodium bicarbonate orally appears to improve athletic performance by a small margin in most individuals.
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Toxicity from drugs affecting sodium channels (sodium channel blockade): Intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate helps reduce side effects from drugs causing sodium channel blockade.
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Mild form of gum disease (gingivitis): Brushing teeth with sodium bicarbonate is associated with improvements in gingivitis.
On the other hand, the article notes that sodium bicarbonate is possibly ineffective or unsafe for certain conditions, including sudden loss of heart function (cardiac arrest) and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
The potential side effects and precautions highlighted in the article include:
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Stomach rupture and electrolyte imbalances: High doses or insufficiently dissolved sodium bicarbonate may lead to serious side effects.
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Skin application: Safety information for skin application is inconclusive.
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Special precautions: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and use in children should be approached cautiously due to limited reliable information.
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Specific health conditions: Individuals with conditions such as cardiac arrest, diabetic ketoacidosis, edema, high calcium levels, high sodium levels, high blood pressure, and low potassium levels should exercise caution or avoid sodium bicarbonate.
Dosing recommendations range from 100-400 mg/kg by mouth daily for 3-7 days, and healthcare providers should be consulted to determine the appropriate product and dosage for specific conditions.
It's crucial to highlight that the information provided is evidence-based, drawn from reliable sources such as the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version, and is intended to supplement professional medical advice. This knowledge is imperative for individuals considering the use of sodium bicarbonate for various purposes, ensuring informed and safe decision-making.
