25 Examples of Electrolytes
Examples / / November 09, 2023
The electrolytes They are substances that are made up of ions free and conduct electric current. For example: the sodium ion (Na+), the potassium ion (K+) and the calcium ion (Ca2+).
Ionic solutions are formed by substances that, when dissolved in water, dissociate into their ions (charged particles), which is why they are electrolytic solutions.
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Examples of electrolytes
- Sodium ion (Na+)
- Potassium ion (K+)
- Calcium ion (Ca2+)
- Magnesium ion (Mg2+)
- Iron (II) ion (Fe2+)
- Iron (III) ion (Fe3+)
- Copper (I) ion (Cu+)
- Copper (II) ion (Cu2+)
- Chloride ion (Cl–)
- Phosphate ion (PO43-)
- Fluoride ion (F–)
- Bromide ion (Br–)
- Carbonate ion (CO32-)
- Aluminum ion (Al3+)
- Nickel ion (Ni2+)
- Sulfate ion (SO42-)
- Sulfite ion (SO32-)
- Lithium ion (Li+)
- Zinc ion (Zn2+)
- Nitrate ion (NO3–)
- Iodide ion (I–)
- Hydrogen phosphate ion (H2PO4–)
- Bicarbonate ion (HCO3–)
- Silver ion (Ag+)
- Nitrite ion (NO2–)
Biological function of electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential for the proper functioning of the body. living beings. An electrolyte balance between the intracellular and extracellular medium is necessary to maintain the osmotic gradient (the passage of water from one place to another) of living beings.
Osmotic gradients are very important in regulating hydration of the body and the pH of the blood. In addition, they are essential in breathing and in muscle contraction and relaxation.
In the human body it is vitally important to maintain the correct levels of sodium ions (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and chloride (Cl–). Calcium ions (Ca) intervene in muscle contractions.2+), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+).
On the other hand, the ions (Na+) and potassium (K+) are essential for the functioning of the sodium-potassium pump, which is a system that regulates sodium and potassium concentrations inside and outside the cell. In addition, many electrolytes contribute to the transport of nutrients towards the cells and in the elimination of waste.
Adequate electrolyte levels are affected when the amounts of water in the system are altered too much. organism, since the amount of water ingested must be similar to the amount of water lost. Some causes of altered water and electrolyte levels are the consumption of some medications, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney diseases and excessive sweating.
Foods that contain electrolytes
The main foods that contain electrolytes are:
- Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and hard cheese (contain calcium and potassium).
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage, and mustard greens (contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium).
- Whole grain crackers, which are made with cereals, popcorn and rice crackers (contain sodium and chloride).
- Chicken, canned fish and beans (they are abundant in calcium).
- Beef and pork (they are abundant in chlorides).
Sports drinks containing electrolytes
Sports drinks are those that have a great capacity to rehydrate the people who consume them. They are electrolyte drinks that contain sodium and potassium salts and that, when dehydration occurs, restore the body's water and electrolyte levels.
Follow with:
- acid salts
- neutral salts
- oxysalts
References
- Ayus, J. c. (2006). Water, electrolytes and acid-base balance. Pan American Medical Ed.
- Polo, A. O., García, M. S. C., & Ponce, L. H. (2019). Importance of electrolytes and hydration in physical activity. Education and Health Scientific Bulletin Institute of Health Sciences Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, 8(15), 241-246.