Sodium citrate is a sodium salt of citric acid, commonly used as a food additive and preservative. It acts as a flavoring agent and helps maintain the acidity of foods and beverages. In the medical field, it is often used as an anticoagulant in blood transfusions and as a buffering agent in various pharmaceutical formulations. In addition to its culinary and medical uses, sodium citrate is also found in sports drinks, where it helps to regulate pH levels and improve endurance. It is recognized for its ability to enhance the solubility of certain compounds, making it valuable in both food science and chemistry.