Chloride

Chloride is found primarily in extracellular fluids and is especially abundant in gastrointestinal secretions and cerebrospinal fluid. Small amounts are found in bone and connective tissue, lesser amounts in muscle and nerve tissue. It is closely associated with sodium and water in foods, body secretions, tissues, fluids and excretions. Chloride is needed for carrying carbon dioxide to the lungs for expelling. Like its counterpart sodium, it is important in regulating the body's chemical balance. And like sodium, there is no established minimum dosage for it because it is found in such abundance in food.

As one of two components in table salt (sodium chloride), sodium has been pinpointed as a primary contributor to the development of hypertension. Some research, though little has been done, indicates that the chloride in salt also contributes to elevated blood pressure. Other studies found that sodium salts, without chloride, have no effect on blood pressure. Consequently, both sodium and chloride might have to be present in salt to induce hypertension.

• Salt substitutes (potassium chloride)
• Sea salt
• Table salt (sodium chloride)
• Found in combination with other molecules

Available as:

• Sodium chloride (salt) tablets. These may cause stomach distress and overload on kidneys.
• A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• Regulates body's electrolyte balance.
• Regulates body's acid-base balance.

What this mineral does:

• Chloride is a constituent of acid in the stomach (hydrochloric acid).
• Interacts with sodium, potassium and carbon dioxide to maintain acid-base balance in body cells and fluids. It is crucial to normal health.
• Concentrations of sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide and chlorine are controlled by mechanisms inside each body cell.

SPECULATED UNPROVED BENEFITS:

• None known.

• Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements.
• Older people (over 55 years).
• Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs.
• People with a chronic wasting illness, excess stress for long periods or who have recently undergone surgery.
• Athletes and workers who participate in vigorous physical activities.
• Those with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically removed.
• People with recent severe burns or injuries.

Miscellaneous information:

• Healthy people do not have to make any special efforts to maintain sufficient chloride.
• Eating a balanced diet supplies all daily needs.
• Extremely ill patients, with acid-base imbalance, require hospitalization, frequent laboratory studies and skillful professional care.

• Continuous vomiting
• When chloride is intentionally neglected in infant formula preparations, infant develops metabolic alkalosis, hypovolemia and significant urinary loss. Psychomotor defects, memory loss and growth retardation also occur.
• Upsets balance of acids and bases in body fluids (rare)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Coma

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• None

Optimal Levels

• 750 mg.

Minimum Dosage

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):

Estimate of adequate daily intake by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council, 1989.

Don't take if you:

• No known contraindications.

Consult your doctor if you have:

• No known contraindications.

Over age 55:

• No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:

• No special problems expected.
• Don't take megadoses.

Breast feeding:

• No special problems expected.
• Don't take megadoses.

Effect on lab tests:

• No special problems expected.

Storage:

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of mineral.

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Signs and symptoms:

Upset balance of acids and bases in body fluids can occur with "too-much-chloride" or with "too-little-chloride." Symptoms of either include weakness, confusion, coma.

What to do:

• For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult doctor.
• For accidental overdosage (such as child taking a large amount): Call emergency services, the telephone operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

• None expected.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

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