1980 Tassie Medalist wrote:Can anyone tell em the difference between ingesting Bicarbonate or coke before or during an event - allows the body to buffer lactic acid and thereby reduce teh effect of faigue and allows the body to produce more work and,
the ingestion of steroids to which also reduces the effect of fatigue and allows the body to do more work...
One is legal one is not....
Well, first, bicarbonate ions, usually as sodium bicarbonate, are
mildly alkaline and, as you say, will buffer any acid including Lactic Acid, because the bicarbonate ion mops up the loose hydrogen ions releasing water and CO2 in an equilibrating reaction as in normal physiology. Coke [and I assume you mean Coca Cola as you said "legal"] is
moderately acidic and
doesn't buffer acids including Lactic Acid - it is source of
more hydrogen ions. It does, however, contain lots of sugar [at least standard coke does] which is a quick energy source, and some caffiene which is, in the doses present, a mild cardio-respiratory stimulant, much like coffee. Too much of either of them will cause temporary electrolyte imbalance and impair performance. Using them is in some way and extension of eating and drinking as these things are also in food and water.
Neither of them, however, alter your body physiology in any but a transitory manner, and certain don't alter your hormone balance or increase your muscle development beyond what is normally possible, change your physiology in a more lasting way, or alter your mood substantially, potentially making you dangerous to be around.
Will that do for a start off the top of my head....
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:07 pm
