Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) primarily acts as a buffer to neutralize acids and is used as a drug in various medical applications including dental care products and antacids (to treat heartburn and indigestion, also known as dyspepsia).[1] Sodium bicarbonate is also sometimes used to treat acidosis in critical illness[2][3] and as a sports supplement for improving performance.[4][5] In the body, bicarbonate is produced by the kidneys and circulates in the blood to buffer changes in pH.[6][7]
Note that sodium bicarbonate is commonly known as baking soda in the US and Canada (or bicarbonate of soda in the UK, NZ, and Australia). This is not the same as baking powder, which contains sodium bicarbonate mixed with an acidic ingredient.