WASHINGTON—A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate—better known as baking soda—slows the decline of kidney function in some patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, according to a study published online July 16 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
"This cheap and simple strategy also improves patients' nutritional status, and has the potential of translating into significant economic, quality of life, and clinical outcome benefits," said researcher Magdi Yaqoob, MD, of the Royal London Hospital.
The study included 134 patients with advanced CKD and low bicarbonate levels, also called metabolic acidosis. One group received a small daily dose of sodium bicarbonate in tablet form, in addition to their usual care. For this group, the rate of decline in kidney function was greatly reduced—about two-thirds slower than in patients, according to the study.
"In fact, in patients taking sodium bicarbonate, the rate of decline in kidney function was similar to the normal age-related decline," said Yaqoob.
Rapid progression of kidney disease occurred in just 9 percent of patients taking sodium bicarbonate, compared to 45 percent of the other group, according to the research. Patients taking sodium bicarbonate were also less likely to develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis.
The researchers note some important limitations of their study—there was no placebo group and the researchers were aware of which patients were receiving sodium bicarbonate. "Our results will need validation in a multicenter study," said Yaqoob.
Patients taking sodium bicarbonate also had improvement in several measures of nutrition, according to the study. Although their sodium levels went up, this didn't lead to any problems with increased blood pressure.
Low bicarbonate levels are common in patients with CKD and can lead to a wide range of other problems. "This is the first randomized controlled study of its kind," said Yaqoob. "A simple remedy like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), when used appropriately, can be very effective."