Introduction
Intracellular Electrolytes are ions that conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
They play essential roles in various physiological processes, such as maintaining fluid balance, nerve conduction, and muscle function.
Electrolytes are present both inside and outside cells, with specific concentrations maintained to ensure proper cell function.
They contribute to various bodily functions, including maintaining fluid balance, enabling nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and supporting essential metabolic processes.
Extracellular electrolytes:
1) Sodium (Na+):
Primary Role: The main cation in extracellular fluid.
Functions:
Maintaining fluid balance
Regulating blood pressure
Supporting nerve and muscle function
Sources: Table salt, processed foods, canned soups, condiments, snacks
Deficiency (Hyponatremia):
Symptoms: Muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, nausea, seizures
Severe Cases: Coma and death.
2) Chloride (Cl-):
Primary Role: The main anion in extracellular fluid.
Functions:
Maintaining fluid balance
Supporting acid-base balance
Regulating osmotic pressure
Sources: Table salt, processed foods, some vegetables
Deficiency (Hypochloremia):
Symptoms: Muscle cramps, weakness
Severe Cases: Metabolic alkalosis, respiratory depression.
3) Bicarbonate (HCO3-):
Primary Role: Acts as a buffer in extracellular fluid.
Functions:
Maintaining acid-base balance
Facilitating carbon dioxide transport
Sources: Produced endogenously through metabolic processes
Deficiency (Metabolic Acidosis):
Symptoms: Fatigue, rapid breathing, confusion
Severe Cases: Shock and death.
4) Calcium (Ca2+):
Primary Role: An essential extracellular cation, though in lower concentrations than sodium and chloride.
Functions:
Blood clotting
Bone health
Nerve conduction
Muscle function
Sources: Dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods, fish with edible bones
Deficiency (Hypocalcemia):
Symptoms: Muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, seizures
Severe Cases: Osteoporosis, rickets.
Intracellular electrolytes:
1) Potassium (K+):
Primary Role: The main cation in intracellular fluid.
Functions:
Maintaining cell membrane potential
Nerve conduction
Muscle function
Sources: Bananas, oranges, leafy greens, potatoes, tomatoes, yogurt
Deficiency (Hypokalemia):
Symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, constipation
Severe Cases: Heart arrhythmias, paralysis.
2) Magnesium (Mg2+):
Primary Role: An essential intracellular cation.
Functions:
Protein synthesis
Muscle function
Energy metabolism
Enzyme regulation
Sources: Nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, leafy greens
Deficiency (Hypomagnesemia):
Symptoms: Muscle cramps, tremors, fatigue, loss of appetite
Severe Cases: Seizures, heart arrhythmiass.
3) Phosphate (PO43-):
Primary Role: The primary anion in intracellular fluid.
Functions:
Energy metabolism (as part of ATP)
Cell signaling
Nucleic acid and bone formation
Sources: Dairy products, meat, fish, whole grains, nuts
Deficiency (Hypophosphatemia):
Symptoms: Muscle weakness, bone pain
Severe Cases: Rickets, osteomalacia.
4) Sulphate (SO42-):
Primary Role: An important intracellular anion.
Functions:
Protein synthesis
Detoxification
Structural molecule formation
Sources: Animal proteins, legumes, some vegetables
Deficiency: Rare and not well-established, but severe deficiency may affect protein synthesis and detoxification processes