A cheap alkaline salt with one clearly supported use: buffering acid buildup during hard, intense exercise lasting roughly half a minute to twelve minutes. It may slow kidney decline in failing kidneys, though the largest trial found no benefit. Main drawbacks are stomach upset and a heavy salt load. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Bicarbonate (CO2) | 23–27 mmol/L | Tracks acid-base correction and avoids over-alkalinization |
| Serum Potassium | 4.0–4.5 mmol/L | Detects alkalosis-driven shifts and diuretic interactions |
| Serum Sodium | 135–142 mmol/L | Monitors sodium load and fluid balance |
| eGFR | >60 mL/min/1.73 m² (or stable for CKD) | Tracks kidney function, the key determinant of safety and benefit |
| Blood Pressure | <120/80 mmHg | Detects sodium-driven elevation |
| Urine pH (if for stones) | 6.5–7.0 | Confirms adequate urinary alkalinization |
Cadence: For therapeutic kidney use, at 1–4 weeks after starting or dose change, then every 3–6 months once stable; routine lab monitoring generally unnecessary for athletic use.