NDURANZ sodium bicarbonate products review: is it the key to becoming Pogačar?

Sodium Bicarbonate Capsules: Discreet Effectiveness for High-Intensity Sessions

The product: this first NDURANZ product is a set of enteric-coated sodium bicarbonate capsules, designed to improve endurance during high-intensity phases while avoiding the digestive discomfort often associated with this supplement. It is generally taken before sessions, allowing for optimal absorption at the time of effort.

Our test: we tested this product during VMA (maximal aerobic speed) and threshold sessions. During VMA, where the heart approaches 100% of its capacity at the end of a series, the effect of the capsules is truly noticeable: they reduce muscle burn and allow for chaining repetitions without blowing up. In threshold sessions, which are longer and less intense, the effect is more subtle but offers support for managing muscle fatigue at the end of the race. In competition (over 5 km and 10 km), the capsules allowed us to maintain intensity longer, especially on demanding course finishes.

Nrgy Unit Drink Buffer: Endurance and Energy for Intense Races

The product: this second product is a drink combining sodium bicarbonate and carbohydrates (maltodextrin and fructose), with a glucose/fructose ratio designed to optimize energy during effort while limiting digestive discomfort. This drink is therefore suitable for intense endurance phases where energy and acidity management become critical.

Our test: in trail mode, where one often runs with water flasks, this drink format allowed us to easily carry the bicarbonate with us. We tested the Drink Buffer during threshold sessions, but also during a trail training with numerous climbs, where intensity is constant. The product proved its worth, maintaining a stable energy supply and reducing the risk of cramps in key moments. Furthermore, its bicarbonate-based composition helped limit muscle soreness at the end of the race, a valuable asset for prolonged efforts and long-duration competitions.

Suitable for Cyclists

Among the three products tested, we believe that the Nrgy Unit Drink Buffer is particularly suitable for our predominantly cycling audience. This product, in powder form, mixes easily with water in a bottle, making it practical to transport and consume during effort. In our opinion, it is ideal for key moments of the race, such as the last half hour of racing or during a decisive long climb, or any other point when lactates begin to accumulate and energy starts to flag. Thanks to its carbohydrate and bicarbonate content, it offers valuable support to maintain intensity, reducing the risk of cramps and maintaining a stable energy level. It is a true ally in the money time, when every pedal stroke counts, to give you the necessary strength for a final push towards the finish line (if possible, as a winner).

Bicarbonate Tablets: Simple and Practical for Rapid Absorption

The product: similar to capsules, these tablets are also composed of sodium bicarbonate but in a form that allows for rapid ingestion, well-suited for athletes seeking practicality before a session or while traveling.

Our test: we also took the opportunity to test the tablets before a Zwift session, where we pushed the machine to over 100% of FTP on 5-minute repetitions. These tablets were also put to the test in two races (5 and 10 km) requiring maximum intensity. Easy to consume, they prove effective in limiting muscle soreness during intense efforts and for optimizing the last minutes when fatigue sets in. They thus constitute a pleasant and practical option for short sessions, offering convenience and effectiveness.

Elite Protocol

According to our investigation, high-level athletes would sometimes use a protocol of 15 tablets spread over 1 hour and up to 1 hour before an intense effort. This scheme consists of taking 5 tablets 2 hours before, then another 5 tablets 1h30 before, and the last 5 tablets 1 hour before. At 3bikes, we have not yet tested this intensive protocol, but we are keeping it in mind for spring and upcoming challenges!

Bicarbonate for Intense Sessions and Competitions: For Whom and For What?

We wanted to verify if sodium bicarbonate, this “magic potion” long fantasized about and inaccessible, truly kept its promises. With its use becoming increasingly common among elite athletes, we sought to find out if this supplement could justify some of the recent peak performances, particularly in short and intense efforts such as time trials.

Bicarbonate is indeed popular for its buffering effect, capable of limiting muscle acidosis, one of the main factors limiting high-intensity performance. This makes it particularly relevant for athletes who push their bodies in short and intense efforts (3 to 15 minutes at very high intensity), in VMA, at FTP, at threshold, or in competition.

For us, the buffering effect of bicarbonate is very real, and it can offer a tangible advantage for prolonging maximal effort over short durations. However, the benefits remain variable from one individual to another, and it is not a miracle cure: effectiveness depends on personal tolerance and correct dosage, which must be tested outside of competitions (to avoid side effects such as digestive issues). In other words, while bicarbonate can contribute to better performance, it alone is not enough to explain exceptional results.

Practical tips from 3bikes.fr for using bicarbonate:

• When to use it? 
Before sessions where intensity will reach or exceed the lactate threshold, to maximize resistance to acidosis.

• How much? 
Strictly follow the doses recommended by the brand for each product and test beforehand during training.

• For whom?
Cyclists, runners, triathletes, as well as any endurance athlete who regularly pushes their limits on short formats. This also includes team sports with repeated sprints, such as football or rugby, where the ability to sustain explosive efforts is crucial.

In short, our test confirms that bicarbonate can be an interesting ally for intensive and short efforts, but it does not replace overall preparation or training. The recent fantasies surrounding this product are partly justified, provided it is integrated in a measured way and used according to individual needs.

In conclusion…

So, will it turn you into Pogačar? Not quite… but it helps!

NDURANZ offers well-designed products here to harness the potential of bicarbonate and optimize endurance performance. For those who want to gain intensity this winter, while waiting for the return of the cycling season, these products are a real boost. Of course, no instant miracle — but for serious athletes seeking additional gains, they can make a small difference!

We tested them in running this autumn, but the real challenge for us as 3bikes consultants awaits in spring! The appointment is set to see if these tablets and powder solutions will also prove their worth on mountain climbs, and in road and MTB competitions…

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