A substance that forms electrically charged particles called ions when dissolved in water or another suitable fluid, allowing it to conduct electricity and participate in essential body functions.
Electrolytes are minerals and other substances that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids. Important electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
The body carefully regulates electrolyte concentrations because they are essential for processes such as maintaining fluid balance, transmitting nerve signals, contracting muscles, regulating heart rhythm, and maintaining acid–base balance. The kidneys play a major role in maintaining appropriate electrolyte levels.
Electrolyte levels can become abnormal because of dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea, kidney disease, certain medicines, hormonal disorders, or other illnesses. Both excessively high and excessively low levels can sometimes be dangerous.
QUICK FACT
“Electrolyte” describes a substance’s ability to form ions in solution; it does not refer only to sports drinks. Many electrolytes are naturally present in food and body fluids.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Mineral: a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound. Some minerals, such as sodium and potassium, function as electrolytes when dissolved in body fluids, but not every mineral is considered an electrolyte.
- Electrolyte imbalance: an abnormal concentration of one or more electrolytes in the body; this is a condition, not the electrolyte itself.
- Dehydration: excessive loss of body water. Dehydration can cause electrolyte abnormalities, but the two are not synonymous.
SEE ALSO
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Chloride
- Bicarbonate
- Dehydration
- Acid–base balance