Can You Take Catechin with Sodium Bicarbonate?

When taken together, Catechin and Sodium Bicarbonate may interact in a way that reduces the amount of Catechin available in the body. This is because the baking process, which often involves Sodium Bicarbonate, can lead to a decrease in total Catechins. As a result, the effectiveness of Catechin supplements might be slightly reduced. The interaction occurs through a process called epimerization, where Sodium Bicarbonate can convert some Catechins, like (−)-epigallocatechin gallate, into other forms like (+)-gallocatechin gallate. This conversion reduces the amount of active Catechins available in the body. Epimerization is a chemical reaction that changes the shape of molecules, which can affect their biological activity.