Minerals are inorganic chemical elements and essential because the body cannot produce them for itself.
Malnutrition can be responsible for electrolyte deficiencies – calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus etc.
Deficiencies of any of the electrolytes can lead to electrolyte imbalance, which can cause disturbances in acid-base balance, poor appetite, muscle cramps, confusion, apathy, constipation and eventually, irregular heartbeat.
An electrolyte deficiency can occur after one bout of long hour duration exercise or excessive sweating, or resulting from a low daily intake of electrolytes couples with consistent depletion of electrolytes through regular physical activity.
The sudden death that can occur as a result of fasting, anorexia nervosa or starvation, may be duet o heart failure caused by potassium deficiency.
Sodium, chloride and potassium depletion can occur when losses of these electrolytes are increased by heavy and persistent sweating, chronic diarrhea or vomiting or kidney disorders that lead to excessive excretion.
One of the most common symptoms of electrolytes deficiencies is muscle cramping. Muscle cramps are uncomfortable, distracting, and can halt athletes in their tracks, thus affecting sport performance.
Electrolyte deficiency
