Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Bicarbonate dramatically slows rate of decline of kidney function in patients with CKD

Science Daily reported results from a randomised controlled trial lasting 2 years involving 134 people with CKD and metabolic acidosis at Royal London Hospital in England, that "in patients taking sodium bicarbonate, the rate of decline in kidney function was similar to the normal age-related decline".

People excluded from study

 Anyone with morbid obesity, cognitive impairment, chronic sepsis, congestive heart failure or uncontrolled blood pressure.

Rate of creatinine clearance from kidneys was assessed

Creatinine is a waste product usually removed by healthy kidneys and is therefore a measure of kidney disease severity. Participants provided 24-hour urine samples (collecting every drop of urine during each period) every two months. Researchers defined rapid progression as a reduction of creatinine clearance of more than three ml/min per 1.73m2 per year.

Study results:

• Those taking sodium bicarbonate supplements had significantly higher blood bicarbonate levels
• Increased sodium levels in patients did NOT lead to any problems with increased blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease progressed rapidly in 9% of patients in the bicarbonate group compared to 45% in the usual care group.
• Significantly fewer supplemented patients developed end-stage renal failure (requiring dialysis) compared to the usual care group.    6.5% versus 33% of patients.
• Supplementation was associated with better nutritional status.   Including improved protein intake and more normal protein metabolism.

Ione de Brito-Ashurst , Mira Varagunam , Martin J. Raftery , and Muhammad M. Yaqoob.Bicarbonate Supplementation Slows Progression of CKD and Improves Nutritional Status.Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2009; DOI:10.1681/ASN.2008111205

Dose used to slow the rate of kidney decline in patients with CKD

Approx. 600 mgbaking soda three times daily given orally in tablet form (increased as necessary to achieve and maintain blood levels).   600 mg is equivalent to ~ ¼ TEAspoon baking soda powder, which can be taken dissolved in a small glass of water or juice for consumption;

For greatest effect in kidney disease, sodium bicarbonate should always be used with magnesium chloride, providing a powerfully synergistic therapy

Transdermal Magnesium Chloride

Nebulizing Magnesium Chloride

Radiation and chemotherapy both deplete the body's magnesium levels