THE WHITE PAPER: BICARRB
A practical, evidence-based guide to why athletes use sodium bicarbonate, how the buffering mechanism delays fatigue, and how FLYCARB's BICARRB makes bicarb gentle on the stomach, palatable, and affordable.
What the Research Shows
Why Do Athletes Take Bicarb?
Anaerobic Respiration: When the body is on the limit
Whenever you work above your limit, holding pace, powering up a climb, or grinding through a HYROX station, your muscles cannot get oxygen fast enough. Your body switches to anaerobic respiration to produce energy rapidly.
This Generates Lactic Acid
As your muscle cells break down glucose anaerobically, they generate lactic acid. This quickly splits into lactate and hydrogen ions (H⁺).
Blood Becomes Acidic & Muscle Cells Stall
Excess H⁺ ions cause metabolic acidosis (muscle and blood pH falls). This acidity impairs muscle contractions, producing that heavy "burn" and forcing you to slow down.
Taking BICARRB Raises Blood Bicarbonate Levels
Consuming sodium bicarbonate before your event increases bicarbonate (HCO3⁻) concentration in your bloodstream.
Blood Bicarbonate Acts Like a Sponge for Acid
Because blood bicarbonate is elevated, a concentration gradient is formed. It draws acidic H⁺ ions out of active muscles and neutralises them into carbon dioxide and water:
H⁺ (Acid) + HCO3⁻ (Bicarb) → H2O + CO2 (Exhaled)
You Can Push Harder for Longer
With acidity buffered, your muscles maintain power. You delay the dreaded burn, sprint harder in the closing stages, and sustain higher power output.
Why FLYCARB BICARRB?
Traditional bicarbonate works, but taking raw baking soda or swallowing 30 capsules causes severe stomach issues. Here is how FLYCARB re-engineered it:
From £4.99 per Serving
One-third the cost of competitor hydrogel bicarb systems (~£15+). Accessible enough for your regular threshold sessions and club races, not just once-a-year A-races.
Only 60ml Water Volume
Low volume gel with just 60ml of water and 20g carbs. No heavy fluid in your stomach when lining up on the start line.
Gentle on the Stomach
Our specialised Energy Mix protects the bicarbonate through the acidic stomach into the intestine minimising GI distress.
Flavoured Options
Traditional bicarb tastes like salty gloop. FLYCARB offers several flavours including Mango, Mint, and Peach (with CAFCARB options), plus classic Original.
Informed Sport Certified
Mango, Mint, and Original BICARRB are certified under the Informed Sport program. Every batch is tested for banned substances for drug-tested and competitive athletes.
CAFCARB Option
Need an extra spark? Our CAFCARB variant blends full bicarb buffering with an ergogenic dose of caffeine for an extra boost.
How FLYCARB Compares
| Feature | FLYCARB BICARRB | Supermarket Bicarb | Big Bicarb Brand | Bicarb Capsules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stomach Comfort / Zero GI Issues | ✓ Yes | ✗ High Risk | ✓ Yes | ✗ Variable |
| Price per Serving | From £4.99 | ~£0.50 | ~£16.00+ | ~£4.00 |
| Low Liquid Volume | ✓ Only 60ml | 300–500ml | Large Gel Volume | Requires 400ml+ |
| Flavoured Options Available | ✓ Mango, Mint, Peach | ✗ Salty | ✗ Unflavoured | ✗ None |
| Informed Sport Certified | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes | ✗ Rare |
| Caffeine Option (CAFCARB) | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No |
Calculate Your Personal Protocol
Bicarbonate dosing and intake timing are individual. Use our interactive tools to get your exact portion size and race-day timeline.
Portion Size Calculator
Input your body weight and experience level to find your recommended portion in grams (based on evidence-backed 0.2g to 0.3g per kg dosing).
Race Timing Calculator
Input your race start time and event duration to generate a personalised timeline for your pre-race meal, the BICARRB window, and your warm-up.
How to Take BICARRB: 4 Simple Steps
A simple pre-race routine.
Energy Mix
Empty the Energy Mix into your FLYCARB bowl.
Add 60ml Water
Add just 60ml of cold water and stir into a smooth gel
Add Bicarb Mix
Add your Bicarb Mix and stir
Swallow (Don't Chew)
Eat the mixture with a spoon. Quickly.
Choose Your BICARRB
Whether you are testing bicarb for the first time or stocking up for your target race, select the flavour or bundle that fits your routine.
The TRYCARB Bundle
The complete starter system. Includes 4x BICARRB portions across our core flavours, plus the official FLYCARB bowl and FLYSPOON for precise, hassle-free preparation.
Mango BICARRB
Our top-rated fruity flavour. Smooth, refreshing, and gentle on the palate.
Mint BICARRB
Crisp, clean mint profile designed for an exceptionally refreshing ingestion.
Original BICARRB
The pure, unflavoured formulation for athletes who prefer standard nutrition.
Peach CAFCARB
Combines full bicarb buffering with an ergogenic caffeine dose for hard starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selected Scientific References
- Grgic, J. et al. (2021): International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: sodium bicarbonate and exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 61. View Paper
- Peart, D. J., Siegler, J. C., Vince, R. V. (2012): Practical recommendations for coaches and athletes: a meta-analysis of sodium bicarbonate use for athletic performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(7), 1975–1983. View Paper
- Saunders, B. et al. (2014): Sodium bicarbonate and high-intensity cycling capacity: variability in responses. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 9(4), 627–632. View Paper
- Gurton, W. H., Gough, L. A. et al. (2023): Sodium Bicarbonate and Time-to-Exhaustion Cycling Performance. Sports Medicine - Open. View Paper
- Carr, A. J., Hopkins, W. G., Gore, C. J. (2011): Effects of acute alkalosis and acidosis on performance: a meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 41(10), 801–814. View Paper