How to use Maurten's Bicarb System?

The Maurten Bicarb System is a groundbreaking solution designed to elevate athletes' performance in high-intensity sports. By extending the limits of fatigue and enabling athletes to extract more from their exertions, this innovative system has become a game-changer in the world of sports.

Is the Bicarb System for me?

Bicarbonate can be used in training and competition for sports that require intermittent or constant intensity near or above the anaerobic threshold, such as cycling, middle-distance running, rowing, swimming, team sports, and combat sports. And widely used by 800m and 1500m runners, such as Keely Hodgkinson, for example.

It can also be used in threshold (interval) training for all types of endurance sports. And combat the effects of altitude.

However, whilst it has been used by major marathon winners, the use of bicarbonate during prolonged steady-state endurance events such as marathons or long-distance triathlons is still an area of research.

How do I prepare the Bicarb System for consumption?

The mixing instructions for the Maurten Bicarb System can be found on the box, or in the digital planner.

The powder of component B is mixed with water in component A to create a hydrogel.

The bicarbonate mini tablets (Component C) are added to the hydrogel and stirred in before consuming.

If you are a Bicarb user, please refer to the more detailed mixing instructions on the box or in the Digital System to ensure an optimal Bicarb experience.

What is Sodium Bicarbonate?

Large doses of sodium bicarbonate balance the rising acidity that overwhelms the muscles during all-out, intense anaerobic efforts. Sodium bicarbonate has a long history of use in sports.

Is the Maurten Bicarb system certified clean and allowed in competitive sports?

The Maurten Bicarb System has received Informed Sport certification, guaranteeing a product free from substances prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), and manufactured to high-quality standards. Every batch is tested before it’s released to market.

Follow this link to see our certification from Informed Sport.

What is different about Maurten Bicarb System?

The Maurten Bicarb System is different from bicarb solutions and bicarb capsules, the two traditional forms of bicarbonate. The Maurten Bicarb System is a combination of bicarb mini tablets and a hydrogel.

How does the Maurten Bicarb System work?

The hydrogel helps ingesting the mini tablets and protect from dissolving prematurely in the stomach. Because of their small size, mini tablets are not caught in the stomach as capsules do, resulting in a more controlled transfer from the stomach to the intestine, where they gradually disintegrate and the sodium bicarbonate is dissolved and absorbed.

Are there any risks or side effects to the Maurten Bicarb System?

The intake of sodium may lead to water retention and weight gain.

Daily or weekly high intake of sodium may lead to an increase in blood pressure. Individuals with a previous history of high blood pressure should consult with a healthcare professional before using the product.

Only take the advised dose. Higher doses do not provide protection against the side effects associated with sodium bicarb intake.

How much sodium is in each dose?

• Bicarb System 12 (12g of Sodium Bicarbonate) = 3,200mg
• Bicarb System 15 (15g of Sodium Bicarbonate) = 4,100mg
• Bicarb System 19 (19g of Sodium Bicarbonate) = 5,200mg
• Bicarb System 22 (22g of Sodium Bicarbonate) = 6,000mg
• Bicarb System 25 (25g of Sodium Bicarbonate) = 6,800 mg

How much carbohydrate is in the component B?

Component B contains a total of 39.2 grams of carbohydrate, of which 14.4 grams are sugars, composed of maltodextrin and fructose - this is the same across all bicarb doses.

100% consumption of the hydrogel is not as important as the micro tablets contained within.

That is, it’s okay to leave some of the hydrogel after consuming the tablets.

When do I ingest the Bicarb System?

The Bicarb System should be ingested 1.5–2 hours before intense exercise - warming-up can be started before this. The Bicarb Digital System has been created by our in-house nutritional scientists to make it intuitive to plan, prepare, and execute a bicarb session or race. It’s virtually your personal bicarb nutritionist.

Do I chew the component C (the mini tablets)?

No. Do not chew the mini tablets.

Which type of water should I use?

The carbohydrate mix is designed for use together with water that does not have a high mineral content. The amount of water should be about 200 ml, with the possibility to take a little less or more to obtain the viscosity that suits you the best.

For water with high mineral content/high hardness, a reduced water volume may be used.

Can I prepare the Bicarb system the day before a race/training?

Component A and B can be prepared the day before. It is then recommended to keep it overnight at refrigerator temperature. Component C should only be added immediately before consuming.

Is the hydrogel in component B the same as in the Drink Mixes and Gels?

No, each of the three types of products are different in terms of the hydrogel.

Is the Maurten Bicarb System vegetarian/vegan?

Yes. The Maurten Bicarb system is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.