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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Vitamins and Minerals

Electrolyte

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

/ɪˈlektrəlaɪt/nounCommon term

In nutrition & dietetics, electrolyte means: A mineral, such as sodium, potassium, chloride or magnesium, that carries an electric charge in body fluids and helps control fluid balance, nerves and muscles.

In Turkish: elektrolit

How it is used

Used in hospitals, in sport and when people have vomiting or diarrhea. Doctors check 'electrolytes' in blood tests and talk about electrolyte imbalance. Athletes and patients may use oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes.

Example sentences

  1. Long runs in hot weather can cause significant losses of electrolytes through sweat.

  2. The patient's electrolytes were checked daily while feeding was restarted.

Common collocations

  • electrolyte balance
  • electrolyte imbalance
  • replace electrolytes
  • check electrolytes
  • sodiumA mineral and electrolyte that controls fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle function. Most dietary sodium comes from salt (sodium chloride) in processed foods, bread and cooking.
  • hydrationThe state of having enough water in the body, and the process of taking in fluids to reach or keep it. Water is needed for temperature control, digestion and blood volume.
  • mineralAn inorganic element, such as calcium, iron, zinc or potassium, that the body needs for bones, blood, nerves and many chemical reactions, and must get from food and water.
  • parenteral nutritionFeeding given directly into a vein, bypassing the digestive system, for patients whose gut cannot be used or cannot absorb enough nutrients.

More terms: Vitamins and Minerals

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.