Functions

SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND CHLORIDE - FUNCTIONS
  • Nutritionally sodium, potassium and chloride are considered together because of the similarity of their functions and distribution in the body.
  • Sodium, potassium and chloride are stored largely in body fluids and soft tissues.
  • They maintain osmotic presence
  • They regulate acid base equilibrium
  • They control water metabolism in the tissue
  • They are essential for the operation of enzyme systems
  • They are essential for neural and muscular conduction and transmission
  • Nutritionally sodium, potassium and chloride are considered to be of minor importance because they are present in sufficient quantity in the diet.
  • The danger of excessive intake exist only under special conditions.
  • Sodium is the main cation of extracellular fluids, while potassium is the main cation of intracellular fluid.
  • Chlorine (anion) plays an important part in the gastric secretion, where it occurs as hydrochloric acid as well as chloride salts.
Last modified: Sunday, 28 August 2011, 9:03 AM