Type: Compound
Importance- To Body:
Electrolytes are substances whose solution conducts electric currents. This solution is the same by which chemical processes, such as nerve impulses, take place.
Distribution- In Body:
Most all tissues and systems throughout human body.
Excess Effects:
None Listed.
Deficiency Effects:
Dehydration, Hyponatremia.
Sources Food:
A home-made electrolyte drink can be made by using water, sugar and salt in precise proportions. Sports drinks, Milk, Nuts, many fruits and vegetables.
Sources Environmental/Geographic:
Supplemental information:
- Solutions of acids, bases, and salts conduct an electric current readily.
- Solutions of sugar, alcohol, or glycerol do not conduct electrical currents readily.
An electrolyte is a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. The dissolved electrolyte separates into cations and anions, which disperse uniformly through the solvent. Electrically, such a solution is neutral. If an electric potential is applied to such a solution, the cations of the solution are drawn to the electrode that has an abundance of electrons, while the anions are drawn to the electrode that has a deficit of electrons. The movement of anions and cations in opposite directions within the solution amounts to a current. This includes most soluble salts, acids, and bases. Some gases, such as hydrogen chloride, under conditions of high temperature or low pressure can also function as electrolytes. Electrolyte solutions can also result from the dissolution of some biological (e.g., DNA, polypeptides) and synthetic polymers (e.g., polystyrene sulfonate), termed "polyelectrolytes", which contain charged functional groups. A substance that dissociates into ions in solution acquires the capacity to conduct electricity. Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate are examples of electrolytes, informally known as "lytes".
In medicine, electrolyte replacement is needed when a person has prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, and as a response to strenuous athletic activity. Commercial electrolyte solutions are available, particularly for sick children (such as oral rehydration solution, Suero Oral, or Pedialyte) and athletes (sports drinks). Electrolyte monitoring is important in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia.