Chloride
Chloride is a major mineral required for several body functions. It is an electrolyte just like potassium and sodium. It is contained in numerous food sources, most commonly table salt (Sodium Chloride). It is found in the blood and body’s fluids. Chloride mainly binds to sodium in the body; hence, sodium blood levels are normally almost equivalent to chloride blood levels.
Functions Of Chloride
- Regulate proper fluid balance and electrolyte balance-Chloride tends to follow sodium to maintain electrolyte balance.It also works alongside potassium and sodium in regulating fluids movement within and out of cells.
- For nerve and muscle function– You require chloride for the function and support of the muscles and nerves. It aids the nerves to transmit signals to the brain and helpsin muscles to contract.
- Maintains proper body pH levels-Chloride stimulates stomach acid needed for digestion and maintains the proper body pH levels.
Sources Of Chloride
- Sodium chloride, or table salt
- Vegetables including edible seaweed, lettuce, olives, tomatoes, celery
- Rye
- Shrimp
- High-sodium processed foods including sauces, processed meats
RDA
800 milligrams for adults
Persons Likely To Be Chloride Deficient
- Individuals with congestive heart failure-These individuals are more likely to retain significant amounts of fluids, in turn developing a resistance to diuretics, leading to low blood chloride levels.
Chloride Deficiency
A chloride deficiency is quite rare since multiple sodium-rich food sources also contain some chloride, and essentially, sodium is contained in a variety of foods. A chloride deficiency frequently occurs as a result of conditions that lower body fluid levels, for example, excessive sweating or chronic vomiting and diarrhoea.
In multiple instances, the loss of chloride is usually accompanied with sodium losses. Diminished chloride levels can also occur from the intake of diuretic medications targeting fluid removal through the kidneys.
Usually, severe chloride deficiency leads to hypochloremia (low blood chloride levels) whose symptoms are associated with metabolic alkalosis(high blood pH).
Symptoms of chloride deficiency include:
- Fluid loss
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Difficulty breathing
Low chloride levels may be an indication of Lung disease, Heart failure or Addison disease(a condition whereby your body’s adrenal glands produce inadequate amounts of certain types of hormones such as aldosterone or cortisol) .
Toxicity
Chloride toxicity rarely results from dietary intake only. Hyperchloremia (excess blood chloride levels) can be triggered by severe dehydration, diarrhoea, or metabolic disorders such as renal conditions or diabetes. Since most sodium sources contain chloride, a high sodium intake can entail a high chloride intake. Moderately high blood chloride levels may not present any noticeable symptoms. Nonetheless, long-term hyperchloremia can cause certain signs and symptoms comprising:
- Confusion
- Fluid retention
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of concentration
You should note that the severity of symptoms is dependent on the severity of hyperchloremia, the extent to which this severity has lasted along with individual factors such as one’s nutrition status and health status.
Nutrient Interactions With Chloride
- Sodium and potassium-Chloride works with potassium and sodium to aid in regulating fluid balance.These 3 nutrients maintain the volume of water in your body. These nutrients also support the function of your muscles and nerve cells.
Drug Interactions With Chloride
The following drugs can cause an increase in blood chloride levels:
- Corticosteroids (when used in short-term treatments)
- Ammonium chloride (used for treating metabolic alkalosis)
- Carbonic anhydrase blockersortisone (utilized to relieve pain and inflammation)
Alternatively, these drugs can reduce chloride blood levels:
- Laxatives
- Diuretics
- Bicarbonate
With an adequate intake of a varied nutritious diet, chloride deficiency is highly unlikely. You likely meet your chloride just from its food sources. However, chloride sources should be consumed in moderation because most of these sources also contain sodium, to preserve cardiovascular health.
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