Electrolytes are compounds that in solution emit positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) and are distributed throughout the intracellular and extracellular compartments of fluids. The main electrolytes (in tissues and fluids such as blood, urine and sweat) are sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), phosphate (PO4 3−) and bicarbonates (HCO3-).
Electrolytes play vital roles in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, hormone secretion and enzyme activity. Some bodily functions rely on several electrolytes being within a specified range (e.g. muscle contraction is affected by sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations).
Electrolyte imbalances can develop . . .
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