Chloride is an electrolyte that, along with sodium and potassium helps to regulate the acid-base (pH) balance in the body. It also plays an important role in digestion and liver function and is necessary for proper joint and tendon function.

Chloride deficiency is very rare.

Recommended Intake

The Food & Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies established adequate dietary intake allowances for the amount of chloride required for children and adults. They are listed below in milligrams (mg) per day.

Age	Male & Female (mg)
Birth to 6 months	180
7-12 months	570
1-3 years	1,500
4-8 years	1,900
9-13 years	2,300
14-50 years	2,300
51-70 years	2,000
71+ years	1,800

Sources of Chloride

Table salt and sea salt are the primary food sources of chloride. Many vegetables, seaweed, olives, tomatoes, and rye also contain higher amounts of chloride.