BONE HEALTH & STRENGTH

Chloride

Cl — Element #17

also known as Chloride ion, Sodium chloride, Potassium chloride, Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Chloride is the major extracellular anion in the body and is essential for maintaining fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and electrical neutrality in tissues. It is a core component of hydrochloric acid (HCl) secreted in the stomach for digestion. Chloride also participates in acid-base regulation and bicarbonate exchange in red blood cells.

Maintains osmotic pressure and fluid distribution between body compartments as the primary extracellular anion
Component of gastric hydrochloric acid, which is essential for protein digestion and pathogen defense
Participates in the chloride-bicarbonate shift in red blood cells, enabling CO₂ transport from tissues to lungs
Supports normal nerve function by contributing to resting membrane potential
Involved in CFTR channel function, critical for mucus, sweat, and digestive secretion regulation

Active in Cl⁻ ion.

No established UL; typically consumed alongside sodium as salt, so high-sodium warnings apply

Hyperchloremia (elevated blood chloride) can occur with dehydration, kidney disease, or excessive saline infusion and may worsen metabolic acidosis

Hypochloremia (low chloride) occurs with prolonged vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, or loop diuretic use and can cause metabolic alkalosis

Deficiency is rare in healthy individuals eating adequate sodium

NIH DRI — Dietary Reference Intakes (Electrolytes) · MedlinePlus — Chloride in urine test · Britannica — Chloride

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