Relative hyperelectrolytemia in northern Nigerians

A number of studies among the peoples of tropical Africa have shown exceptionally low electrolyte levels. This paper reports a study of more than 200 healthy northern Nigerian subjects which yielded precisely the opposite picture--exceptionally high levels of both sodium and chloride. The relatively high protein and urea values in the same individuals suggest that the high electrolyte levels seen are due to dehydration. The implications of these findings are discussed.