Sodium Bicarbonate for Cognition

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByJeremy J Walsh, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: McMaster University

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?A single bout of exercise can rapidly improve cognitive functions including memory, attention, and executive functions, which help us navigate through everyday life. However, we do not fully understand the mechanism behind this process. A promising candidate mechanism is lactate, which was previously considered merely a waste product of our muscles during exercise. It is now recognized as an important molecule that is used by the brain as an energy source. Studies have shown that increases in lactate during exercise are positively related to improved cognitive function after completion of exercise. Another potential mechanism involves the increase in neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) following exercise. The increase in lactate and BDNF during exercise may be connected to cause these cognitive improvements. However, because lactate increases with higher exercise intensities, we currently do not know how lactate specifically impacts brain health. To address this, muscle and blood lactate concentrations can be experimentally manipulated during exercise using sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation and will allow us to explore how lactate specifically affects brain function. The purpose of this project is to investigate the effect of exercise-induced lactate on BDNF and cognition following oral NaHCO3 supplementation in young adults. We hypothesize that BDNF levels will be higher, and cognition will be improved in executive function, visuospatial memory, and working memory in the NaHCO3 condition due to higher plasma lactate during exercise compared to placebo.

Eligibility Criteria

The ExLBC trial is for young adults interested in understanding how exercise affects brain function. Participants should be willing to take sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or a placebo and perform exercise tasks. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically include being in good health with no conditions that could interfere with the study.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 35 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I have been hospitalized for a heart-related event.

I have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

I experience low blood sugar levels.

I have had a concussion and still experience symptoms.

Participant Groups

This study tests whether taking NaHCO3 before exercising can increase lactate levels and improve cognitive functions like memory and attention compared to a placebo. The goal is to see if higher lactate from intense exercise leads to better brain health by increasing BDNF levels.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Single dose of sodium bicarbonate supplement (0.4 g/kg body weight of NaHCO3 gelatin capsules).

Group II: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Single dose of a placebo supplement (0.4 g/kg body weight of sodium chloride gelatin capsules).