Metabolic acidosis should be corrected with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). NaHCO3 correctsacidosis in children with renal tubular acidosis and stimulates growth in premature infants andchildren with kidney failure. NaHCO3 and potassium bicarbonate improve nitrogen balancein elderly with even mild metabolic acidosis [146,147]. Based on available evidence and whileawaiting results from several larger sized randomized interventional trials [148–150], we suggest(1) increasing dietary alkali (fruits and vegetables) for patients in stages 3 and 4 CKD and withpreserved NaHCO3 (22–24 mmol/L) [150], and (2) initiating oral NaHCO3 for patients with CKD andserum HCO − < 22 mmol/L [151]. The HCO − goal should be 24–26 mmol/L. Over correction of 33HCO − to >26 mmol/L should be avoided [152–154]. 3In dialysis patients (both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), correction of metabolic acidosisreduces protein degradation and negative nitrogen balance [25,155–158], and significantly improvesvirtually all hormonal alterations [159], signifying the importance of close monitoring and managementof a patient acid–base status as it closely relates to the morbidity and mortality. Over andrapid correction could, however, be detrimental and should therefore be avoided [160]. Gradeddialysate HCO − concentrations during each dialysis might minimize the large acid–base fluctuation. 3Appropriately designed trials are needed to test this assumption.