Electrolytes
What are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals found in the fluids of the body that are required for many processes - fluid balance, hydration, nervous system impulses, acid-base balance, and more.
When electrolytes meet water (60% of our body composition), they produce charged ions which enable the flow of electrical signals throughout the body. These signals make it possible for us to move, think, and feel!
Electrolytes help us stay hydrated - see the note on Fluids to learn why it is important to maintain fluid balance.
People on special diets, especially the Ketogenic diet, typically need an electrolyte boost, especially when just beginning the diet. Carbohydrates are stored in the body with water, and as carb intake decreases, electrolytes are flushed out of the body in urine. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated and to keep those electrolytes up!
Electrolytes in the body include:
Sodium
Sodium is important for brain communication! If there’s not enough, the brain can’t communicate with cells.
Keep in mind, too much sodium can cause harm and could contribute to issues like high blood pressure.
Chloride
Calcium and Magnesium work together - Calcium is needed for muscle contraction, and then magnesium helps the muscle relax after they have contracted.
Phosphate
Food Sources of Electrolytes
These important minerals are present in many healthy foods, but the most efficient way to supplement electrolytes is really through liquids.
100% coconut water, such as Harmless Harvest (Costco also has a good 100% coconut water brand!)
100% watermelon juice contains electrolytes, but is low in sodium. Try blending watermelon with ice, and adding a pinch of Real Salt to make a delicious slushie!
Trace minerals are also naturally found in deep ocean water, and companies like Trace Minerals extract safe amounts of these naturally occurring minerals into supplement drops.
What About Sports Drinks?
In short, there are better choices than sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade.
Most commercial sports drinks contain artificial colors, flavors, and added sugar. See the ANL notes on Artificial Sweeteners and Food Dyes to learn more about why these may not be ideal for a child with autism.
A 12-oz serving of Gatorade or Powerade contains over 20 grams of added sugar! Sugar-free varieties can often contain artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols.
Put it this way: If your child had a stomach bug and was vomiting, and all you had in the pantry was Gatorade, that might be better to replenish their fluids than nothing. But for daily supplementation, there are much healthier alternatives.
Pedialyte: Similar to sports drinks, Pedialyte could be used in a vomiting emergency, but it only contains a few different electrolytes, and almost always contains added sugars, flavors, and dyes.
Homemade Electrolyte Drinks
You can easily make your own electrolyte drink at home!
This Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink uses orange juice, lemon juice, water, maple syrup, and Himalayan salt to replenish sodium, potassium, and calcium. Other variations on the recipe are also included in this post.
Use coconut water instead of plain water for an even better electrolyte boost!
Using a very similar recipe to the drink, try freezing your own Electrolyte Popsicles for a summertime treat! The cherry juice version is full of antioxidants!
Are Electrolytes Beneficial for Autism?
Mineral Imbalances
One study found that children with autism have significantly different trace element status than their neurotypical peers. [1]
Another study found low levels of trace elements in children with autism, notably Magnesium and Zinc. [2]
Dysfunction of potassium channels may be involved in neuronal excitability and abnormal brain functioning in autism. [3]
Calcium and More
Irregularities in calcium channels can cause neuropsychiatric issues like autism. [4]
Calcium, magnesium, and iron were all found to be deficient in children with autism. [5]
Deficiencies of these minerals have been found to be associated with abnormal metabolic functions, which can result in autism.
Supplementation
Keep in mind, while low levels of electrolytes can cause issues, there can also be serious side effects of getting too much. Balance is key! If your child is already getting minerals through a vitamin or supplement, make sure these supplements wouldn’t “tip the scale” and put them at risk of toxicity. Please talk to your healthcare providers before adding or changing supplements.
Examples of common electrolyte supplements include:
Powder
Redmond Real Salt Re-Lyte Electrolyte Powders
Use code AUTISMRD for 15% off all Redmond Products
Liquid
ConcenTrace Mineral Drops - If your child doesn’t like the fruity flavors of powder mixes, these drops are unflavored. But, they do have a “mineral” flavor. They can be mixed in water, but your child will probably be able to tell the difference! Try orange juice to mask the mineral taste.
Capsules
Redmond Real Salt Re-Lyte Electrolyte Caps
Use code AUTISMRD for 15% off all Redmond Products
Gummies
If you absolutely cannot get your child to drink any liquid other than plain water, perhaps a gummy could be an option!
ConcenTrace Gummies (Work with your healthcare provider for the best dosage - the serving size is 3 gummies for adults. Children should probably take less.)
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Note: All supplements are linked to Amazon for convenience, however, buying supplements on Amazon does not guarantee quality, as there are many “unverified resellers” selling nutrition supplements. To buy supplements that are verified to be sent directly to the consumer, you can create an account on the Autism Dietitian FullScript and search for the respective supplement under “Catalog”.
Authors
Jennifer Wiggins, Dietetic Intern
Edited & Reviewed by Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
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[1] Skalny, A. V., Simashkova, N. V., Klyushnik, T. P., Grabeklis, A. R., Radysh, I. V., Skalnaya, M. G., Nikonorov, A. A., & Tinkov, A. A. (2017). Assessment of serum trace elements and electrolytes in children with childhood and atypical autism. Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS), 43, 9–14.
[2] Saghazadeh, A., Ahangari, N., Hendi, K., Saleh, F., & Rezaei, N. (2017). Status of essential elements in autism spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. Reviews in the neurosciences, 28(7), 783–809.
[3] Cheng, P., Qiu, Z., & Du, Y. (2021). Potassium channels and autism spectrum disorder: An overview. International journal of developmental neuroscience : the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience, 10.1002/jdn.10123. Advance online publication.
[4] Nanou, E., & Catterall, W. A. (2018). Calcium Channels, Synaptic Plasticity, and Neuropsychiatric Disease. Neuron, 98(3), 466–481.
[5] Shahjadi, S., Khan, A. S., Ahmed, M. U., Karim, M., Parvin, S., Siddiqi, U. R., Afroz, S., & Mahruba, S. N. (2020). Study On Serum Magnesium, Calcium And Iron In Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Children. Journal of Dhaka Medical College, 27(2), 199-204.
