Bicarbonate is a compound in the blood that helps buffer acid and maintain a healthy pH. ON a chemistry screen it can be reported as either CO2 or bicarbonate.
Without enough bicarbonate in the blood, metabolic acidosis can occur. A decreased bicarbonate is also associated with an increased risk of inflammation, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, and muscle and bone loss.
Excess bicarbonate contributes to metabolic alkalosis which can be life-threatening.
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