Sodium's partner in salt. Helps balance fluids and forms the hydrochloric acid in your stomach.
What does Chloride do?
Main negative ion outside cells; balances fluid and acidity; used to make stomach acid.
Where does Chloride act in the body?
Blood, stomach, kidneys.
Which foods contain Chloride?
Almost entirely from salt (sodium chloride); also seaweed, tomatoes, celery.
How much Chloride do adults need?
Adequate Intake: 2.3 g for adults 19–50. Upper limit: 3.6 g.
What happens with too little Chloride?
Rare; can occur with heavy vomiting or some diuretics.
Can you get too much Chloride?
Tracks sodium intake.
What does Chloride interact with?
Intake moves with sodium.
What is known and unknown about Chloride?
Roles established.
Evidence & sources
The Adequate Intake for chloride is 2.3 g/day for adults 19–50. Evidence: regulatory. Known: Set by the Institute of Medicine (2005). Unknown: — Source: National Academies (Institute of Medicine), DRIs for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride and Sulfate (2005).