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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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HCO3- - CO2
Results and Values
What do the test results mean?
The normal value for CO2 in the blood is 23 to 29 mEq/L. Most of the carbon dioxide in the blood is in the form of bicarbonate. Either term can be used. The lungs and kidneys control the amount of bicarbonate in the blood. This keeps the blood from becoming too acidic. In order for a person to live, he or she must have neither too much acid nor too much base in the blood.
Carbon dioxide or bicarbonate can be too high or too low in the following conditions: