Locations, Sources, And Function Of Selected Electrolytes

Front 1

sodium

Back 1

location: ECF (most abundant cation)

sources: bacon, ham, processed cheese, table salt

function: controls and regulates water balance

Front 2

potassium

Back 2

location: ICF (most abundant cation)

sources: dark yellow and orange fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, meat, fish, and avocadoes

function: helps maintain ECF and ICF water balance and acid-base balance; vital for skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle activity; supports ICF enzyme reactions

Front 3

calcium

Back 3

location: mostly in skeletal system, small amount in ECF

sources: milk and milk products very high; dark green leafy vegetables, canned salmon

function: 1% of total calcium outside bones and teeth regulates muscle contraction/relaxation and neuromuscualr and cardiac function. With aging, less calcium is absorbed in intestines and more is excreted via kidneys; weight-bearing exercise and vitamin D protect against osteoporosis and fractures.

Front 4

magnesium

Back 4

location: primarily in skeleton and ICF; only about 1% in ECF

sources: cereal grains, nuts, dried fruit, legumes, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, meat, and fish

function: aids intracellular metabolism, especially adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production; necessary for protein and DNA synthesis within cells. In ECF, helps regulate neuromuscular and cardiac function

Front 5

Chloride

Back 5

location: major anion of ECF; major component of gastric juic as hydrochloride acid (HCl)

sources: found in the same foods as sodium

location: functions with sodium to regulate serum osmolality and blood volume; concentration in ECF is regulated by sodium; is usually reabsorbed with sodium in the kidney; helps regulate acid-base balance; acts as bufferin the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in red blood cells

Front 6

phosphate

Back 6

location: major anion of ICF; also is found in ECF, bone, skeletal muscle, and nerve tissue. Much higher levels in children, probably due to higher growth hormone.

Sources: found in many foods such as meat, fish, poultry, milk products, and legumes

function: involved in many chemical actions of the cells; essential for functioning of muscles, nerves, and red blood cells; also involved in protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism; absorbed from the intestine

Front 7

Bicarbonate

Back 7

location: ICF and ECF; excreted and reabsorbed by kidneys

sources: produce in metabolic process, so dietary source unnecessary

function: major body buffer involved in acid-base regulation