If you’re neurodivergent and your feet twitch, it might time for an electrolyte

Fun fact: If you’re neurodivergent and your feet randomly twitch, those little involuntary muscle twitches can be called fasciculations. I’ve had them in my feet for years, and one thing I’ve repeatedly noticed is that when I take electrolytes, they settle down. That sent me down a rabbit hole looking specifically at mineral deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances and neurodivergence. First, an important distinction: Minerals include things like magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids — including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. They’re particularly important for things like nerve signalling, muscle contraction and fluid balance. And this is where it gets interesting… Research has found associations between ADHD and differences or lower levels of certain minerals, particularly iron/ferritin, zinc and magnesium in some studies. Autistic people can also be at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies and inadequate mineral intake, particularly when food selectivity or restricted diets are involved. However, this doesn’t mean every autistic or ADHD person is mineral deficient, and findings vary depending on the nutrient and study. There are also some very practical reasons neurodivergent people can be more vulnerable: • sensory sensitivities around taste, smell and texture • ARFID or restrictive/selective eating • relying heavily on a limited number of safe foods • forgetting meals or drinks • difficulty recognising hunger/thirst cues • executive dysfunction affecting shopping, cooking and regular meals • appetite suppression from some ADHD medications And different minerals have different jobs: Magnesium → nerve and muscle function Potassium → nerve impulses and muscle contraction Calcium → muscle contraction and nerve signalling Sodium → fluid balance and nerve/muscle function Iron → haemoglobin/oxygen transport and neurological function Zinc → immune function, metabolism and many cellular processes So there are actually two related but different things to think about: 👉 Mineral deficiency = not having enough of a particular mineral. 👉 Electrolyte imbalance = electrolyte levels such as sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium being too low or too high, which can affect normal nerve and muscle function. Significant abnormalities in some of these minerals/electrolytes can cause symptoms including muscle twitching/fasciculations, cramps, weakness or fatigue. But this DOESN’T mean: ❌ Autism or ADHD is caused by mineral deficiencies. ❌ Every neurodivergent person is deficient. ❌ Fasciculations automatically mean you have an electrolyte imbalance. ❌ Feeling better after electrolytes proves you were deficient. It’s about recognising that some autistic and ADHD people may have an increased vulnerability to nutritional and mineral inadequacy, while research has also found associations with particular mineral levels. For me, the interesting part is that my fasciculations repeatedly settle after I take electrolytes. That doesn’t diagnose anything — but it definitely made me curious about whether I’m getting enough of certain minerals in the first place. 👀 Persistent or unexplained fasciculations or suspected deficiencies are worth discussing with a healthcare professional rather than self-diagnosing from symptoms. #Neurodivergent #electrolytes #magnesiumdeficiency #MuscleSpasm #minerals