Chloride

Chloride is an extracellular mineral that is essential for the maintenance of fluid balance and, therefore, normal cell function. It is also an important component of gastric juices. Virtually all the chloride we consume is associated with table salt (sodium chloride), so sodium and chloride intakes parallel each other. Because chloride losses are closely linked to sodium losses, a deficiency of one is related to a deficiency of the other. Deficiencies typically occur with heavy sweating, frequent diarrhea, or frequent vomiting.⁷⁶ Sweat losses are likely to deplete chloride and sodium to a greater degree than other minerals, including potassium and magnesium.⁷⁷ Most people consume excessive amounts of salt (which is 60 percent chloride), so chloride intake is typically 6,000 milligrams (6 grams) or more, a level that is well above normal requirements.⁷⁶ The DRI-estimated chloride requirement is 2.3 grams per day for both adult men and women, while the safe upper limit for chloride is 3.6 grams per day. Excess chloride and sodium may both contribute to the development of hypertension.