Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which of the following describes electrolytes?

1. Solid compounds that do not dissolve in water

2. Compounds required for fluid balance in the body

3. Only we need during exercise

4. Food sources high in protein

The correct answer is: Compounds required for fluid balance in the body

Electrolytes are essential compounds that play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance within the body. They are minerals that carry an electric charge and are crucial for various physiological functions, including regulating nerve and muscle function, hydration, blood pressure, and the pH level of the body. The body requires a proper balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, to ensure that cells function optimally and that bodily fluids maintain their balance. When electrolytes are present in the correct concentrations, they help to promote the necessary electrical signals that enable muscle contractions and nerve transmissions, thus highlighting their importance beyond just exercise. In contrast to this, the other options do not accurately capture the nature of electrolytes. Solid compounds that do not dissolve in water are not representative of electrolytes, as these substances need to be soluble to exert their functions in the body. Although electrolytes are indeed important during physical exertion, their significance extends to everyday bodily functions and overall health, making the notion that they are only needed during exercise inaccurate. Lastly, while food sources high in protein can contain some electrolytes, protein itself does not define or encapsulate what electrolytes are. Therefore, the assertion that electrolytes are compounds required for