Can You Take Caffeine and Sodium Bicarbonate Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Caffeine stimulates gastric acid secretion while sodium bicarbonate neutralizes it, potentially reducing both caffeine's rate of absorption and bicarbonate's buffering effectiveness. Both also have diuretic/osmotic GI effects that may compound discomfort.

How to arrange timing

Take caffeine 30–60 minutes before sodium bicarbonate to allow caffeine absorption before pH is altered.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: McNaughton LR et al. Recent developments in the use of sodium bicarbonate as an ergogenic aid. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008;7(4):230-236

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.