Caffeine and baking soda: the surprising gym hack tested
NCT ID NCT06714331
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether taking caffeine and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) before exercise helps people do more reps and feel less tired during weight training. Twelve healthy, active adults took the supplements or a placebo and then did bench press and knee extension exercises. Researchers measured repetitions, muscle activity, and fatigue to see if the supplements made a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- caffeine and sodium bicarbonate supplements
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could help athletes and gym-goers improve short-term workout performance with simple supplements.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase study with only 12 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Supplements can cause side effects like stomach upset or jitters.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
-
12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Aug 2024
- Finished
-
May 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 40 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * apparently healthy, physically active males and females between 18-40 years of age with regular (minimum three times a week) resistance training experience for the last 6 months and regular caffeine intake (at least once a day). Exclusion Criteria: * recent musculoskeletal or musculotendinous injuries
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Nutritional supplementation are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can TRX training intensity boost young Athletes' performance?
- Can strength training rewire the brain?
- Can varying rest intervals boost strength in female athletes?
- Sand and sea: a promising recipe to keep older adults strong and steady?
- Can unstable core training paddle kayakers to greater power?
- Could a supplement that mimics human muscle boost strength and speed recovery?