ELECTROLYTES

These are chemical substances that separate, when dissolved in fluids, into electrically charged particles (ions) capable of conducting electric currents vital for the function of nerves and muscles. Your cells utilize electrolytes to maintain electrical currents across their cell membranes and to carry impulses to other cells. Both nerve cells and muscle cells are regulated by the exchange of electrolytes between the extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid. The body uses electrolytes to help regulate nerve and muscle function and to maintain acid-base balance and fluid balance. For example, muscle contraction is dependent upon the presence of calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+). Without sufficient levels of these key electrolytes, muscle weakness or severe muscle contractions may occur. Electrolytes also regulate many vital processes in our body.

Functions of electrolytes: Maintain, promote, distribute, and regulate body fluids.

Oxford Food & Nutrition Dictionary: Chemically salts that dissociate in solution and will carry an electric current; clinically used to mean the mineral salts of blood plasma and other body fluids, especially sodium and potassium.

*Physiology. Any of various ions, such as sodium, potassium, or chloride, required by cells to regulate the electric charge and flow of water molecules across the cell membrane. The major cations (positively charged electroylytes) in the body's fluid supply are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The major anions (negatively charged electrolytes) are chloride, phosphate, sulfate, and bicarbonate. Organic acids such as lactate, pyruvate, and aceto-acetate also carry negative ions.

ECF: Major Cation- Na; Major Anion- Cl ICF: Major Cation- K; Major Anion- PO4

Stability of electrolyte balance is dependent upon several factors. One is an adequate intake of water. Electrolytes are involved in metabolic activities and are vital to the function of all cells, therefore, when the body becomes dehydrated, electrolytes do not have sufficient fluid for mobility in order to function. Another factor is an adequate intake of electrolyte-

containing foods. Still another is the homeostatic conditions within the body that can regulate the absorption, distribution, and excretion of water and its dissolved particles. Imbalances can occur when serum levels become either too high or too low usually resulting from renal disease or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. The following are major electrolytes and their functions:

1. Sodium (Na: 135- 145mEq/L) creates much of the osmotic pressure of extracellular
fluid and is the most abundant cation in it. It is essential for electrical activity of neurons and muscle cells. An imbalance can cause hyponatremia or hypernatremia. Hyponatremia results when blood levels of sodium become too low usually caused by excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Symptoms are dizziness, confusion, weakness, low blood pressure, and shock. Hypernatremia happens when the sodium blood levels become too high as a result of an excessive water loss or sodium ingestion. Symptoms are extreme thirst and agitation.

2. Potassium (K: 3.5- 5mEq/L) creates much of the osmotic pressure in intracellular
fluid and is the most abundant cation in it. It is essential for electrical activity of neurons and muscle cells. An imbalance can produce hypokalemia or hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia results when blood levels of potassium become too low and is usually a consequence of vomiting, diarrhea, or kidney disease. Symptoms are fatigue, confusion, and possible cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia comes as a result of blood levels of potassium becoming too high and is usually a consequence of Addison's Disease with symptoms of weakness, abnormal sensations, cardiac arrhythmias, and possible arrest.

3. Calcium (Na: 8.5- 10 mEq/L for total Serum Ca and inonized Ca 4.5- 5.5
mEq/L) is found most abundantly (98%) in bones and teeth with the remaining in tissues and fluids. It maintains normal excitability of neuons and muscle cells and is essential for blood clotting. An imbalance causes hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia. Hypocalcemia occurs when the blood levels of calcium become too low usually as a result of a decreased function of the parathyroid gland or a decreased calcium intake. Symptoms include muscle spasms leading to tetany (a continuous spasm). Hypercalcemia occurs when the parathyroid over functions. Such symptoms include muscle weakness, bone fragility, and possibly kidney stones.

4. Magnesium (Mg: 1.5- 2.5 mEq/L) is concentrated mostly in bone. It functions

5. Chloride (Cl: 98- 108 mEq/L) is the most abundant anion in extracellular fluid. It
easily diffuses into and out of cells helping to regulate osmotic pressure. It is also part of the hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

6. Bicarbonate (22-26 mEq/L) is part of the buffer system. 7. Phosphate (HPO4: 1.7- 2.6 mEq/L) is most abundant (85%) in bones and teeth. It
functions primarily as an intracellular anion and is part of the nucleic acids - DNA, RNA, and ATP- as well as phospholipids and the phosphate buffer system.

8. Sulfate is part of some amino acids and proteins in the form of sulfur.
To function normally, the body must keep fluid levels from varying too much in the areas of the body that contain fluid (called compartments). The three main compartments are Fluid within cells Fluid in the space around cells Blood Electrolytes, particularly sodium, help the body maintain normal fluid levels in these compartments (called fluid balance), because how much fluid a compartment contains depends on the concentration of electrolytes in it. If the electrolyte concentration is high, fluid moves into that compartment. If the electrolyte concentration is low, fluid moves out of that compartment. To adjust fluid levels, the body can actively move electrolytes in or out of cells. Thus, having electrolytes in the right concentrations (called electrolyte balance) is important in maintaining fluid balance among the compartments. The kidneys help maintain electrolyte concentrations by filtering electrolytes from blood, returning some electrolytes, and excreting any excess into the urine. Thus, the kidney help maintain a balance between daily consumption and excretion.

There are many types of electrolytes and electrolyte manufacturerssome with little experience in putting together a successful electrolyte product. Any good electrolyte product will contain: Sodium major electrolyte Glucose quick energy Glycine assists in glucose absorption Sodium Bicarbonate helps correct physiological acidiosis Acetate quick energy, acidifier Propionate quick energy, acidifier, retards Salmonella spp. bacteria

 Acidifiers helps to inhibit bacterial growth and assist milk clot formation Chlorides major electrolyte Potassium major electrolyte Thickeners (+ or ) Probiotics (+ or ) Vitamin C necessary for immune system function and preservation Organic bound trace minerals necessary for immune system function.

*Sodium is a major, necessary component of any good electrolyte product. Without adequate water intake, however, sodium may accumulate in some tissues at excessive levels. Seizures, physical collapse or sudden death may result if the excess accumulation occurs in the nervous system. Treating this type of excess sodium accumulation is difficult and rarely successful, but can be prevented by providing free-choice access to fresh, clean water at all times.

SOURCES: http://www.answers.com/topic/electrolyte#ixzz1DyQQkHO9 http://www.milkspecialties.com/technical/vet_advisors/Electrolyte%20Use%20and %20Management%20-%20Volume%203.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolyte http://www.innvista.com/health/nutrition/minerals/electrol.htm