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Vitamin Guide > Vitamins > Chloride
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Chloride |
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Chloride Definition |
Chloride is an "essential" mineral for humans and also known as the other half of sodium chloride or the common table salt.
It is essential in maintaining the body's acid-base and fluid balance. It is also an essential component of the digestive juices.
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Benefits of Chloride |
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Chloride participates in formation of hydrochloric acid, a powerful digestive enzyme.
It also functions as an electrolyte to control flow of body fluids in the body as well as the veins.
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Sources of Chloride |
The main source of Chloride is table salt or sea salt.
It is also found in many vegetables too. Chloride is abundant in processed foods like chips, pretzels, French fries, tomato-based sauces, olives, preserved meat, animal liver, processed meats, canned meats and fish, canned vegetables and peanut butter because it acts as a preservative to keep these foods fresh.
Chloride is also found in higher amounts in celery, olives, rye, tomatoes and lettuce.
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Deficiency of Chloride |
Though deficiency of Chloride is rare, when occurs it results in a life threatening condition known as alkalosis, in which the blood becomes overly alkaline.
The deficiency is caused due to excessive fluid loss via excessive sweating, diarrhea or vomiting.
Symptoms of Chloride deficiency include loss of appetite, dehydration, muscle weakness, irritability and severe lethargy.
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Excess of Chloride |
Excessive intake of chloride in the form of salt can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure, but this is largely because of the sodium and not the chloride in the salt.
Though Chloride toxicity does not occur in healthy individuals, as there is constant intake of fresh water; it may occur in those who are low on health and follow an unhealthy diet too.
If the person is suffering from any kidney disease it results in improper waste elimination and high levels of Chloride in the blood.
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Precautions |
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Those who lead an active and a healthy life style need to supplement their diet with Chloride to avoid loss of this mineral via urine, sweat and bowels.
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