Did you know that body electrolytes are referred to as electrolytes? They are substances that carry a positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water. As 60% of the human body is water, electrolytes are in different locations. They regulate numerous functions and chemical reactions in the body. In the following article, you will find details about electrolyte levels: (1)(2)

Body electrolyte levels

The essential and important electrolytes in the body include: (1)(3)(4)

• Sodium

Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance within cells. It also contributes to the absorption of certain nutrients into cells. It is one of the most abundant electrolytes in the body, with a concentration ranging from 136 to 144 millimoles per liter.

• Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital electrolyte for the body and helps cells convert nutrients into energy, making it crucial for brain and muscle function. Normal magnesium levels in the body range from 1.7 – 2.2 milligrams per liter.

• Potassium

Potassium is closely linked to sodium. When sodium enters the cell, potassium exits, and vice versa, it is an essential electrolyte for heart health. Normal potassium levels in the body range from 3.7 – 5.1 millimoles per liter.

• Calcium

Many people believe that the benefits of calcium are limited to bone and teeth health. However, it is involved in other functions such as muscle control, nerve signaling, and regulating heartbeats. Maintaining normal calcium levels is essential, ranging from 8.5 to 10.2 milligrams per deciliter.

• Chloride

Chloride is the second most abundant electrolyte in the body after sodium. It plays a role in maintaining fluid balance inside and outside body cells. It also helps keep the body’s pH in balance. The normal chloride level in the body ranges from 97 to 105 millimoles per liter.

• Phosphate

This electrolyte is composed of the phosphate molecule and is involved in forming nucleotides, the basic building blocks of DNA. It helps regulate the movement of nutrients into and out of cells and aids in their metabolism. Normal phosphate levels range from 2.5 – 4.8 milligrams per deciliter.

• Bicarbonate

Did you know that not all the produced carbon dioxide from cells is expelled through the lungs? A portion of it is used to produce bicarbonate salts, which the body uses to maintain blood acidity levels. Normal bicarbonate levels in the body range from 22 to 30 millimoles per liter.

In addition to the above, the following table provides a brief overview of body electrolyte levels: