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More bicarb in the muscles neutralises lactic acid as it’s created, enabling the athlete to go harder for longer, with faster recovery The main active ingredient is sodium bicarbonate, or bicarb for short, and this natural electrolyte supports muscle function by buffering the acid created by the muscles during exercise According to one study, participants experienced a 53.5% reduction in post-workout DOMS and a heart rate that was 3.1% lower than the control group.
BG, KN, BW, CM, and JH conceived and designed the experiment. BG, KN, BK, and JH performed experiments. BG, KN, and JH analyzed data. BG, CM, and JH interpreted results of experiments. BG and JH prepared figures and tables. BG and JH drafted the manuscript. All authors edited or revised the manuscript. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript. FundingTaken together, our observations support the idea that transdermal bicarbonate delivery may impact pH buffering both intramuscularly and systemically. In contrast to the observed changes in pH, alterations in [Na +] and [K +] in both intramuscular dialysate and serum were less clear. With PR Lotion application, serum [Na +] was significantly elevated ( Table 2) and tended to decrease in the placebo condition. However, other changes in Na + and K + concentrations were either inconsistent or were observed during both the primary study and the placebo time control ( Table 2). 4.1 Bicarbonate loading All studies were approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Oregon and were performed in accordance with the principles outlined by the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects after a verbal and written briefing of all experimental procedures. 2.2 Study design
The current study was designed to explore the effectiveness of PR Lotion as a transdermal delivery vehicle for sodium bicarbonate to skeletal muscle under a resting condition. According to the manufacturer, PR Lotion’s ingredients encapsulate hydrophilic molecules (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) for paracellular delivery, penetrate the stratum corneum, disrupt the junctional proteins of the skin barrier, and transiently create a paracellular pathway for the local delivery of molecular substances into the underlying tissues. While we did not directly test these claims, consistent with our hypothesis, the increase in pH of the intramuscular dialysate and serum are in support of PR Lotion’s proposed function. Indeed, the 0.13 increase in pH in dialysate from a baseline of 6.85 translates to a ∼28% reduction in [H +]. Changes in serum pH were smaller (∼9% reduction in [H+]) yet consistent with the anticipated alkalotic effect of PR Lotion application, increasing pH.
I've delved into this a bit deeper and there are plenty of studies to suggest that taking around 0.3g per kg 60-180 minutes before high-intensity exercise can enhance performance by decreasing the acidity of working muscles by buffering its production. In fact, professional athletes have been using this legal supplement since the 1970s.
The answer to this question is... well, yes and no. I've had three months to try to quantify the benefits and the answer is: some. When reviewing products, I always try to have an open mind and no preconceived notions of whether it's going to be any good or not. With the PR Lotion, I couldn't help but feel that it had the potential to be snake oil with some rather large claims and marketing jargon such as it being the 'pro's secret weapon'. However, having used it for the second half of the race season, it has impressed me, with too many good power numbers to just be a coincidence. What is it?This, too, was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled crossover trial – this time in 20 competitive cyclists. Each of the 20 participants completed two sessions of “short intensity” testing on separate days, and they also completed two sessions of “long intensity” testing on separate days.
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