sodium bicarb treatment in polycystic kidney disease

There is no molecular structure for sodium bicarbonate because sodium bicarbonate is not a molecule, it is an ionic compound made up of sodium cations (Na+) and bicarbonate anions (HCO3-). The bicarbonate anion can easily fly off and unite with free floating calcium, prevalent in PKD. This can form calcium carbonate kidney stones; one of the most common kidney stones formed by PKD'rs.

Many nephrologists continue to prescribe sodium bicarb, also known as baking soda, to individuals with PKD, unaware that this can promote a higher incidence of kidney stones for individuals with PKD. Due to the inherent nature of PKD, unfortunately sodium bicarbonate increases kidney stone formation.

Individuals with PKD kidneys have a 20% greater chance of developing kidney stones. Unlike citrate salts, [i.e. potassium citrate and sodium citrate] where the citrate is utilized by the kidney for energy, the bicarbonate ion from sodium bicarbonate, spins off and forms a very common kidney stone compound – calcium carbonate, the most common PKD kidney stone. Early studies with the PKD model showed this to be true. There was an increased incidence of kidney stone formation, though the PKD models were helped by the alkalinity and they were harmed by acidity.