Understanding Electrolytes

Electrolytes are substances that dissociate (separate) into electrically charged particles (ions) when in solution.

Positively charged ions are called cations and negatively charge ions are termed anions.

Anions - Bicarbonate, Chloride, Phosphorus

Cations - Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium

Several pairs of oppositely-charged ions are closely linked in the body so that a disturbance in one ion affects the other. That is the essence of electrolytic balance/imbalance.

Sodium and chloride are linked this way, as are calcium and phosphorus.

In electrolyte solutions, even with multiple ion pairs, electrical neutrality is always maintained; this is called electroneutrality.

Extracellular

Sodium and chloride are the major electrolytes in extracellular fluid.

Intracellular

Potassium, phosphate and magnesium are the most abundant intracellular electrolytes.

Magnesium acts as a catalyst in myriad enzyme reactions; as such its role and importance is much greater than its physical quantity would indicate.

Electrolytic Imbalances

Electrolytic balance is extremely important, as imbalances can quickly lead to impaired functioning or death!