Medical Health Care Centre

This inexpensive and simple method also improves the nutritional status of patients and has the potential to translate into economic benefits, quality of life and clinical studies.

A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate slows the deterioration of renal function in some patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Advanced, a study of the Royal London Hospital in the UK that is published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

As explained Magdi Yaqoob, director of the study, involving 134 patients with chronic kidney disease and low levels of bicarbonate or metabolic acidosis. One group received a small daily amount of sodium bicarbonate in tablet form along with their treatments. In this group, the rate of decline of renal function is greatly reduced, about two-thirds less.

“In fact, patients taking sodium bicarbonate, the rate of decline in renal function was similar to normal deterioration associated with age,” says Yaqoob.

The rapid progression of renal disease occurred in only 9 percent of patients taking sodium bicarbonate compared to 45 percent in the other group. Patients taking bicarbonate also were less likely to develop end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.

According to investigators, patients taking bicarbonate also improved on several measures of nutrition. Although their sodium levels rose, this did not lead to any problem of increased blood pressure.

The low bicarbonate levels are common in patients with chronic kidney disease and may lead to a wide variety of problems. “This is the first randomized controlled study of its kind. A simple remedy like baking partner, when used appropriately, can be very effective,” concludes Yaqoob.

The researchers note that their study had some limitations exist as with placebo group and the scientists knew which patients were taking sodium bicarbonate. “Our results will require validation in a multicenter study,” adds the researcher.