Food Sodium citrates are used as acidity regulators in food and drinks, and also as
emulsifiers for oils. They enable cheeses to melt without becoming greasy and also reduce the acidity of food. They are generally considered safe and are designated
GRAS by the
FDA.
Blood clotting inhibitor Sodium citrate is used to prevent
donated blood from clotting in storage, and can also be used as an additive for
apheresis to prevent clots forming in the tubes of the machine. By binding with calcium ions in the blood it prevents the process of
coagulation. It is also used as an anticoagulant for laboratory testing, in that blood samples are collected into sodium citrate-containing tubes for tests such as the PT (INR), APTT, and fibrinogen levels. Sodium citrate is used in medical contexts as an
alkalinizing agent in place of
sodium bicarbonate, to neutralize excess acid in the blood and urine.
Metabolic acidosis It has applications for the treatment of
metabolic acidosis and
chronic kidney disease.
Ferrous nanoparticles Along with
oleic acid, sodium citrate may be used in the synthesis of
magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle coatings. ==References==