Chloride (Chlorine) - what is it?
Chlorine, New RDA* 800mg.
Sodium chloride occurs naturally as halite, known as rock salt, which is typically 95 to 99% sodium chloride. The principal impurity of rock salt is calcium sulphate, with smaller amounts of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride.
Chlorine is a greenish-yellow, poisonous, gaseous element with a suffocating odour. In the body it is mostly present as sodium chloride or common salt, which performs various essential functions.
*Sourced from EFSA WEBSITE
Chloride (Chlorine) - what does it do?
Chloride is essential for the proper distribution of carbon dioxide and the maintenance of osmotic pressure in the tissues. It is necessary for the manufacture of glandular hormone secretions.
It prevents the building of excessive fat and autointoxication. Chloride regulates the alkali-acid balance in the blood. It works, with potassium in a compound form.
Potassium chloride is also essential for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is needed for proper protein digestion. It is involved in the maintenance of proper fluid and electrolyte balance in the system.
Sodium, together with potassium, is an essential mineral for regulating body fluid balance. Sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid and sodium salts account for more than 90% of the osmotically active solute in the plasma and interstitial fluid. Consequently, sodium load is the major determinant of extracellular volume. Chloride is also important in maintaining the fluid balance and is an essential component of the gastric and intestinal secretions.
Deficiency
Sodium deficiency is highly unusual, but can lead to low blood pressure, dehydration and muscle cramps. A normal diet will always supply sufficient chloride.
Chloride (Chlorine) - Sources
Chloride is found in barley, wheat, and other grains and pulses, green leafy vegetables, and fruits like melon, and pineapple.
