In patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) (CCr less than 20 ml/min), we have previously demonstrated greater rates of Na excretion (ex) when Na intake was nearly all NaHCO3 as compared to NaCl (both 200 mEq Na daily). Chloride (Cl) wasting on NaHCO3 (with severe Cl restriction) occurred, however, and may in part explain the results. To avoid Cl restriction in 6 patients with CRF (CCr 10-15 ml/min) on an estimated 10 mEq Na and Cl diet, electrolyte ex was compared on NaCl supplements of 200 mEq/day versus a daily mixture of NaHCO3 (100mEq) and NaCl (100 mEq). Periods on NaCl and the mixture lasted 4 days (order randomized) separated by re-equilibration to baseline weight (wt). Mean +/- SEM ex of Na, Cl, HCO3 mEq/day and CCr and deltawt (lbs) are compared below for the 4th day of NaCl vs NaHCO3 intake. (see article). Also there were no significant differences in K excretion, blood pressure, or plasma renin activities. Mean serum HCO3 increased from 21.2 to 25.8 mEq/l (day 1 vs 5, P less than 0.01) reflecting the net positive HCO3 balance on the mixture indicated above. Thus increments of Na intake above a fixed NaCl intake were excreted similarly whether given as NaCl or NaHCO3. Greater Na ex on NaHCO3 may depend on severe Cl restriction and/or higher serum HCO3 levels. If dietary NaCl intakes are near maximum tolerance, NaHCO3 supplementation should be accompanied by reductions in NaCl intake to maintain Na balance,