Acid-Base Electrolytes

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are ions that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in a liquid like blood. The kidneys help to regulate electrolyte concentrations in the body. Any disturbance in this process often leads to an electrolyte imbalance. The different electrolytes are sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.

Renal Failure is often complicated by imbalance in levels of potassium, phosphate, magnesium, sodium and calcium.

Sodium

Sodium plays a major role in the body by maintaining fluid balance, important for both nerve and muscle function. The body obtains sodium from both food and liquid intake and loses it in sweat and urine. Kidneys, when functioning normally, maintain a consistent level of sodium by adjusting the amount excreted from the body. When sodium intake and excretion are not in balance, it may lead to either high sodium (hypernatremia) or low sodium (hyponatremia).

Potassium

Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, and muscles. Potassium is obtained from food and drinks and lost primarily in urine but also through the digestive tract and in sweat. Too high levels of potassium are known as hyperkalemia and too low levels are known as or hypokalemia.

Phosphorus

In the body, almost all phosphorus is combined with oxygen to form phosphate. Phosphate is used as a building block for substances such as DNA and cell membranes. The body obtains phosphate from food and excretes it in urine and sometimes stool. Foods that are phosphate-rich are milk, egg yolks, chocolate, and carbonated beverages. Too high levels of phosphorus are known as hyperphosphatemia and too low levels are known as or hypophosphatemia.

Calcium

Calcium has many functions, which include – the formation of bone and teeth, muscle contraction, normal functioning of enzymes, blood clotting, and maintenance of normal heart rhythm. The level of calcium in the blood is maintained by 2 hormones – Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Calcitonin. The body moves calcium out of bones into the blood to maintain calcium levels. PTH increases the calcium level in the blood, whereas calcitonin is responsible for lowering calcium levels in the blood. Too high levels of calcium are known as hypercalcemia, and too low levels are known as hypocalcemia.

Magnesium

Magnesium is required for the formation of bone and teeth and for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles. Too much magnesium is known as hypermagnesemia and too low is known as hypomagnesemia.

Disclaimer: The UCLA Health System cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information. The information is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please speak to your Physician before making any changes.