Electrolyte

Electrolytes are essential to homeostasis, the normal functioning of the human body, and play a key role in metabolism. A lack of electrolytes, incorrect electrolyte balance, too little or too much of an electrolyte can cause serious health problems, and in extreme cases death.

In medicine, the term electrolytes refers to a mineral that has been dissociated from a salt that carries an electrical charge (an ion). For example, sodium ions are often referred to as electrolytes.

Electrolytes that play a key role in the human body are:


 * Potassium
 * Sodium, for example table salt (sodium chloride) or saline
 * chloride
 * bicarbonate
 * calcium, and
 * phosphate

Less important roles are played by magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and chromium.

ME/CFS
Electrolytes are a possible treatment for the energy metabolism and ion transportation problems found in M.E.

Learn more

 * Electrolytes - Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary