Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is used as an
antacid for short-term relief of stomach upset, to correct acidosis in kidney disorders,
to make the urine alkaline during bladder
infections, and to minimize uric acid crystallization during gout treatment. A prescription sodium bicarbonate
product is given by injection to treat metabolic acidosis and some drug intoxications. Sodium
bicarbonate is available as a nonprescription drug alone (sodium bicarbonate tablets) or in
combination with other nonprescription drugs for short-term treatment of various conditions to
treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Folic acid
Iron*
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Folic
acid
Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize
vitamin B12. Antacids, including sodium bicarbonate, inhibit folic acid
absorption.1 People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid.
Iron
In a study of nine healthy people, sodium bicarbonate administered with 10 mg of iron led to
lower iron levels compared to iron administered alone.2 This interaction may be
avoided by taking sodium bicarbonate-containing products two hours before or after
iron-containing supplements.
References:1. Russell RM, Golner BB, Krasinski SD, et al. Effect of antacid and H2
receptor antagonists on the intestinal absorption of folic acid. J Lab Clin Med
1988;112:458–63.
2. O’Neil-Cutting MA, Crosby WH. The effect of antacids on the
absorption of simultaneously ingested iron. JAMA 1986;255:1468–70.