1) The study surveyed 40 NCAA Division II swimmers about their nutrition knowledge, supplement use, and use of sodium bicarbonate. 2) It found that 85% of swimmers used supplements, with males being more likely to use supplements than females. The majority believed supplements were necessary to perform well but had little actual knowledge about supplements. 3) Regarding sodium bicarbonate specifically, 17% of swimmers reported using it, with most saying it improved performance but one reporting side effects. Knowledge of its side effects was low overall.

1. 2 5 6 8
16
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Treat Injury
N/A
Physical
Appearance
Dietary Needs
Overall Health
Maint
Aid Recovery
Build Muscle
Increased Energy
Improve
Performance
Sodium Bicarbonate: A Role in Collegiate Swimming
Allison Kliewer, University of the Incarnate Word, Nutrition Department
IRB # 13-01-004
Introduction
The demand of a sport requires athletes to perform at their best in any
condition which often leads to the use of ergogenic aids or supplements to
enhance performance. Results of a study conducted by Karabudak and
Ercumen on elite water sport athletes who compete at a national, interna-
tional and Olympic level within Europe, show that 72% of athletes take
supplements and believe they are necessary to be successful in sport and
are an unavoidable part of competition (2001). Other results showed that
53% of athletes had minimal or no knowledge about the supplements they
took, and only 36% of those who used supplements were aware of the
possible contamination. The authors conclude that athletes appear to take
supplements with poor understanding of why they take them (Karabudak
and Ercumen, 2011).
According to the Australian institute of Sport, sodium bicarbonate, more
commonly known as baking soda, is considered a grade A supplement and
has been shown to benefit performance (2010). There is limited research
on competitive swimmers regarding the motives behind taking ergogenic
aids such as sodium bicarbonate. The purpose of the study is to assess
basic nutrition and supplementation knowledge, and the use of sodium bi-
carbonate including frequency, perceived benefits, and reasons for use in
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) swimmers.
Subjects
A 52 member male and female Division II NCAA swim team was selected to participate in
the study. The total response rate was 76.9% (n= 40). All participants were 18 years or
older, gave written consent to participate in the study, and had the opportunity to decline
participation. The study was approved by the University of the Incarnate Word Institutional
Review Board on the ninth of January, 2013. Characteristics of the sample in Table 1.
Table1 Sample Characteristics
assessing sodium bicarbonate knowledge and usage. Wording and language of the ques-
tions and answer choices were articulated so that the subject would be able to offer accu-
rate answers. Format of the questionnaire aimed to keep interest of the subject, reduce
possible habituation, and limit same answer choices by using multiple choice, numeric
open-ended, text open-ended, and agreement scale answer options.
Data Analysis
Analysis of data was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
software. The nutrition knowledge based questions were assessed by awarding a one for
correct and zero for incorrect answers. On the four point agreement scale questions,
strongly agree and agree were considered correct for true statements and disagree and
strongly disagree were considered correct for false statements. Sodium bicarbonate
knowledge and usage, attitude, beliefs, and influence questions were analyzed using de-
scriptive statistics and frequency distributions.
How many supplements do you take?
Figure 1
Nutrition and Supplement Knowledge Test Scores
Why do you take supplements?
Results: Supplement Use
Results: Nutrition and Supplement Knowledge
Total number of participants N= 41
Female 15 (36.5 %)
Male 26 (63.4 %)
Age Mean= 20.7 yr Range= 18-25 yr
Nationality
Non-American 11 (26.8 %)
American 25 (60.9%)
Unknown 5 (12.2)
Years as a competitive
swimmer
Mean= 11.9 yr Range= 3-18 yr
6
8
23
4
None
1
2-5
5-10
Summary
The results are similar to other studies that have surveyed the
collegiate athletic population. Lewis, M. surveyed 152 male and
female division I athletes and found that 80% used ergogenic
aids and believed supplements are the most effective way to build
muscle and increase energy (2012).
This is the first known study to survey college level swimmers
specifically about sodium bicarbonate usage. Although 57% of
swimmers used it incorrectly, and 71% did not know the side ef-
fects, sodium bicarbonate is being used as a supplement in
NCAA swimming. The lack of basic nutrition knowledge and se-
vere lack of supplement knowledge should not be ignored. Swim-
mers are using supplements without knowing the possible effects
of ingestion.
Outcome
The results of the survey demonstrate a need for nutrition edu-
cation in the NCAA swim population. Further investigation of the
possible ergogenic effects on swim performance need to be con-
ducted to determine the role of sodium bicarbonate in collegiate
swimming.
Relationships
Those who disagree that swimmers need dietary supplements to
stay healthy and compete at their best are 78% less likely
to take a supplement and 66% less likely to make a long
term health sacrifice in order to excel in swimming
Of those who agree supplements on the market have been
proven useful and effective, 82% do not think
supplements should be banned
Of those who agree that the use of supplements compensates
for poor food choice and inadequate diet, 82% do not think
supplements should be banned
Of those who disagree that supplements are the most
convenient way to meet the demands of swimming, only
32% would take a legal supplement, only 27% would make
a long-term health sacrifice to excel, and 32% agree to
banning all supplements due to an unfair advantage it gives
tothose that do take supplements
Supplement Use Sodium Bicarbonate Use
Male 25 (96%) 6 (23%)
Female 10 (66%) 1 (0.06%)
Total 35 (85%) 7 (17%)
Sodium Bicarbonate Use
Of the 7 athletes that took sodium bicarbonate, all but one re-
ported improved performance, and only one reported an ad-
verse reaction of a stomach ache. The majority were influenced
by a friend, teammate, or coach to take sodium bicarbonate for
improved performance. Sodium bicarbonate usage practices
varied by athlete and no significant similarities were evident.
Procedure
Survey data was collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher evaluating
nutrition knowledge and perceptions of sodium bicarbonate and personal utilization prac-
tices. Questionnaires were completed in a group setting in the presence of the researcher.
The questionnaire consisted of 16 nutrition and supplement knowledge questions, 14
questions addressing the athlete’s attitudes, beliefs, and influences, and 21 questions
Scores for Specific Questions
Only one athlete correctly answered that vitamins and minerals do not
provide energy and build muscle, while the other 97% answered
incorrectly
27% answered hydration can be maintained by drinking any fluid,
regardless the source
30% believe training on an empty stomach does not have a
negative effect on performance
Table 2 Supplement Use by Gender
Scores for Specific Questions
78% agreed that dietary supplements are needed to
stay healthy and meet the demand of competitive
swimming
The average score related to safety, regulations, and
effectiveness of supplements was 53%
46% believe that supplements found in stores are
regulated by the FDA and are considered safe
and free from contamination
46% consider supplements to be the most effective
way to build muscle an increase energy
46% agree supplements are the most convenient way
to meet the demands of swimming
Top 3 influences to take supplements are teammates,
family, and coaches
Top 3 people whom swimmers seek for nutritional
advice are coaches, teammates, and friends
References
Australian Sports Commission. (2010). Supplements and sports foods. In Burke & Deakin (Eds.), Clinical Sports Nutrition (5th ed.). Sydney:
McGraw Hill.
Karabudak, E. & Ercumen, S. (2011). Water sports athletes and nutritional supplements: A study of use and perceptions. Scientific Research
and Essays. 6(2): 4839-4847.
Lewis, M., (2012). Evaluation of knowledge beliefs and use of nutritional ergogenic aids among collegiate athletes. Master’s Theses. paper
835.
71.8%
62.5%
68.8% 65.4%
82.9% 77.7% 74.0%
68.2%
0.0%
25.0%
50.0%
75.0%
100.0%