Sodium Citrate: Benefits, Uses, and Science-Backed Insights
At Custom Gains, we’re dedicated to empowering you to test, build, and grow with supplements tailored to your unique needs. Sodium Citrate is an exceptional ingredient for optimizing hydration, balancing pH levels, and boosting workout performance.
Curious about how Sodium Citrate fits into your custom formula? Let’s explore its science, benefits, and role in creating your best blend.
Quick Highlights: What Is Sodium Citrate?
Here’s a quick introduction to Sodium Citrate for those new to the ingredient:
- Immediate Hydration Support: Replenishes sodium to prevent dehydration during intense activities.
- Lactic Acid Buffering: Delays muscle fatigue by neutralizing lactic acid buildup.
- pH Regulation: Promotes metabolic balance and prevents acidosis.
- Performance Enhancement: Improves stamina and endurance during prolonged exercise.
- Digestive Support: Aids in alkalizing the stomach, reducing acidity.
At Custom Gains, Sodium Citrate can be seamlessly added to your single-serving packets to meet your performance and recovery needs.
What Makes Sodium Citrate Unique?
Sodium Citrate is a salt derived from citric acid, widely recognized for its ability to maintain electrolyte balance and regulate pH levels. Its dual benefits make it indispensable for anyone striving to improve endurance, hydration, and recovery.
Key Roles of Sodium Citrate:
- Electrolyte Replacement: Replenishes sodium lost through sweat during intense workouts.
- Lactic Acid Neutralization: Buffers acid buildup, extending performance during high-intensity exercise.
- Metabolic Alkalizer: Helps balance body pH, preventing metabolic acidosis.
Unlike generic sodium-based supplements, Sodium Citrate offers added benefits for pH balance and exercise recovery, making it an ideal ingredient for active individuals.
Benefits of Sodium Citrate
1. Immediate Hydration Support
Sodium Citrate restores sodium levels lost through sweat, ensuring proper hydration. This quick replenishment is critical for maintaining endurance and preventing fatigue during physical activity.
2. Buffers Lactic Acid
By neutralizing the acid produced during exercise, Sodium Citrate delays muscle fatigue and allows for longer, more intense workouts.
3. Balances pH Levels
As an alkalizing agent, Sodium Citrate helps regulate pH levels in the body, preventing acidosis and supporting overall metabolic health.
4. Enhances Performance
Athletes often use Sodium Citrate to improve endurance and stamina, especially during prolonged or high-intensity activities.
5. Supports Digestive Health
Its alkalizing properties reduce stomach acidity, providing relief from acid reflux and supporting smoother digestion.
6. Versatile in Custom Blends
Sodium Citrate integrates effortlessly with other ingredients like Potassium Citrate or Beta-Alanine for a comprehensive hydration and performance blend.
How to Use Sodium Citrate
Dosage Recommendations
- Hydration: 500–1,000 mg pre- or post-workout.
- Lactic Acid Buffering: 1,000–2,000 mg taken 30 minutes before exercise.
- pH Balance: 500–1,500 mg daily, divided into 1–2 servings.
When to Take It
- Pre-Workout: To buffer lactic acid and sustain endurance.
- Mid-Workout: For hydration during long sessions.
- Post-Workout: To replenish sodium and aid recovery.
At Custom Gains, you can precisely tailor your formula to include the amount of Sodium Citrate that best suits your performance and recovery needs.
Sodium Citrate vs. Potassium Citrate
| Feature | Sodium Citrate | Potassium Citrate |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration Support | Strong (Short-Term) | Strong (Sustained) |
| Lactic Acid Buffering | Strong | Limited |
| pH Balance | Strong | Strong |
| Digestive Support | Moderate | Limited |
| Best For | Immediate hydration | Long-term hydration & kidney health |
Sodium Citrate is the go-to ingredient for rapid hydration and lactic acid buffering, while Potassium Citrate excels at sustained hydration and kidney support.
FAQs About Sodium Citrate
1. What are the benefits of Sodium Citrate?
Sodium Citrate supports hydration, buffers lactic acid, balances pH levels, improves exercise performance, and aids digestion.
2. Is Sodium Citrate good for hydration?
Yes, it replenishes sodium levels lost through sweat, ensuring optimal hydration and preventing dehydration.
3. How does Sodium Citrate work in the body?
It neutralizes acid buildup, replenishes electrolytes, and maintains pH balance, supporting endurance and recovery.
4. What are the side effects of Sodium Citrate?
When taken as directed, it’s safe. Mild side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals.
5. Can Sodium Citrate improve exercise performance?
Absolutely. By buffering lactic acid and preventing muscle fatigue, it enhances stamina and endurance.
6. How is Sodium Citrate used in food?
Sodium Citrate is often used as an emulsifier in food preparation, particularly in cheese sauces, for smooth textures and stable consistency.
7. What’s the difference between Sodium Citrate and Potassium Citrate?
Sodium Citrate is ideal for rapid hydration and lactic acid buffering, while Potassium Citrate focuses on sustained hydration and kidney health.
Scientific Studies Supporting Sodium Citrate
- Enhances Hydration
- Study: Athletes taking 1,000 mg of Sodium Citrate improved hydration and reduced fatigue during high-intensity activity.
- Source: Journal of Sports Nutrition
- Buffers Lactic Acid
- Study: A dose of 2,000 mg pre-workout delayed lactic acid buildup and enhanced endurance in athletes.
- Source: International Journal of Sports Science
- Balances pH Levels
- Study: Sodium Citrate corrected metabolic acidosis in participants with chronic conditions at 1,500–3,000 mg daily.
- Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
- Improves Endurance Performance
- Study: Cyclists supplementing with 1,800 mg of Sodium Citrate experienced enhanced stamina and reduced exertion.
- Source: Journal of Applied Physiology
- Supports Digestive Health
- Study: Sodium Citrate alleviated acid reflux symptoms and improved digestion in participants taking 1,000 mg daily.
- Source: Gastroenterology Research
- Promotes Recovery
- Study: Post-workout supplementation with 1,500 mg of Sodium Citrate replenished electrolytes and reduced muscle soreness.
- Source: Journal of Recovery Science
- Proven Long-Term Safety
- Study: Sodium Citrate supplementation for 12 weeks at 1,500–3,000 mg daily was shown to be safe and well-tolerated.
- Source: Clinical Nutrition Journal
Why Choose Custom Gains?
At Custom Gains, we believe in empowering you to take ownership of your fitness journey. Sodium Citrate in our customizable blends helps you achieve rapid hydration, sustained endurance, and optimal recovery—all tailored to your unique needs.
Call to Action: Build Your Sodium Citrate Formula with Custom Gains
Take charge of your hydration, performance, and recovery. Add Sodium Citrate to your Custom Gains formula today for results that match your lifestyle.