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Requirements
No Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) has been established
for chloride.
Signs of Deficiency
Because chloride is an electrolyte, a deficiency would
result in an imbalance in the normal acid-base balance,
which in extreme cases could be characterised by nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea and perspiration. It is important
to note that deficiencies of chloride are very rare
except in certain instances where an individual is experiencing
chronic vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive perspiration.
Other symptoms include hair and tooth loss and impaired
digestion.2
Infants deficient in chloride can develop loss of appetite,
lethargy, failure to thrive and muscle weakness.3
Signs of Toxicity
Only known cause of chloride toxicity is
water-deficiency dehydration. Excessive intake, however,
of sodium chloride (processed salt) can elevate blood
pressure in individuals sensitive to salt.2,3
Research Findings
General
According to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences,
chloride "is essential in maintaining fluid and
electrolyte balance and is a necessary component of
gastric juice. It occurs in plasma in concentrations
of 96 to 106 mEq/liter*, and in a more concentrated
form in cerebrospinal fluid and gastrointestinal secretions."4
According to Dunne, chloride will stimulate the liver
to act as a filter, removing harmful waste products.
In addition, "it aids in keeping joints and tendons
in youthful shape, and it helps to distribute hormones."2
Chloride has also been used in clinical and therapeutic
applications to treat dehydration as a result of diarrhoea,
vomiting or profuse sweating.2,4
*1mEq of chloride is equivalent to 35.5 milligrams (mg).
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1 Schauss, A. Minerals and human health:
the rationale for optimal and balanced trace element
levels. Life Sciences Press, 1995: pp 9.
2 Dunne, L.J. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Publishing
Company, 1990: pp.69-70.
3 Neumann, C. Chloride. American Society for Nutritional
Sciences. http://www.nutrition.org/nutinfo.
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