Electrolyte

An electrolyte is a substance which dissociates free ions when dissolved (or molten), to produce an electrically conductive medium. Because they generally consist of ions in solution, electrolytes are also known as ionic solutes. They are sometimes referred to in abbreviated jargon as lytes.

Nutrition

Electrolyte drinks containing sodium and potassium salts are used to replenish the body's water and electrolyte levels after dehydration caused by exercise, diaphoresis, diarrhea, vomiting or starvation. Giving pure water to such a person is not the best way to restore fluid levels, because it dilutes the salts inside the body's cells and interferes with their chemical functions. This can lead to water intoxication.

Related Topics:
Dehydration - Exercise - Diaphoresis - Diarrhea - Vomiting - Starvation - Water intoxication

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Sports drinks such as Gatorade are electrolyte drinks with large amounts of added carbohydrates, such as glucose, to provide energy. The drinks commonly sold to the public are isotonic (with osmolality close to that of blood), with hypotonic (with a lower osmolality) and hypertonic (with a higher osmolality) varieties available to athletes, depending on their nutritional needs.

Related Topics:
Gatorade - Carbohydrate - Glucose - Osmolality

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Because sports drinks contain very high levels of sugar, they are not recommended for regular use by children. Rather, specially formulated pediatric electrolyte solutions are recommended. (Also, dentists recommend that regular consumers of sports drinks observe precautions against tooth decay.)

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Electrolyte and sports drinks can be home-made by using the correct proportions of sugar, salt and water.

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