What is chloride? Why do we need it?
	
                  Chloride is a compound consisting of two elements, one of 
                    which is always chlorine. Chloride makes up about 0.15% of 
                    a person's body weight and is found in extracellular fluid, 
                    sweat and urine.
                  Why do we need it? 
                  Chloride is essential for maintaining acid-base, electrolyte 
                    and fluid balance in the body. It also plays an important 
                    role in digestion, because it is a key component of hydrochloric 
                    acid found in the stomach. 
                  How much chloride should I take? 
                    
                  According to the National Academy of Sciences, the recommended 
                    daily allowance (RDA) for chloride is as follows:
                  
                    - Adult men: 750 milligrams/day
 
                    - Adult women: 750 milligrams/day
 
                    - Children aged 7-10: 600 milligrams/day
 
                    - Infants: between 180-300 milligrams/day
 
                    - Pregnant/lactating women: 750 milligrams/day 
 
                  
                  What are some good sources of chloride? 
                  
                  Table salt is the most common source of chloride; a quarter 
                    teaspoon of salt contains the recommended daily allowance 
                    of chloride. Other good sources include sea salt, seaweed, 
                    soy sauce, olives and rye. Many processed foods also contain 
                    large amounts of chloride. 
                  What can happen if I don't get enough 
                    chloride? 
                  Chloride deficiency can be caused by fluid loss as a result 
                    of excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. Excessive loss 
                    of chloride can result in alkalosis (abnormally high mineral 
                    content in the bodily fluids), dehydration, and a loss of 
                    potassium in the urine.
                  What can happen if I take too much? 
                  
                  Excessive levels of chloride (in the form of table salt) 
                    can increase the risk of hypertension in certain individuals. 
                    Increased chloride intake can also cause fluid retention, 
                    but this is primarily caused by the sodium contained in salt.
		References
                  
                    - Recommended Dietary Allowances, 
                    10th ed. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1989.
 
                    -  Powers F. The role of chloride in acid-base balance. 
                      J Intraven Nurs Sep-Oct 1999;22(5):286-91.
 
                    -  Mydlik M, et al. Influence of water and sodium diuresis 
                      and furosemide on urinary excretion of vitamin B6, oxalic 
                      acid and vitamin C in chronic renal failure. Miner Electrolyte 
                      Metab Jul-Dec 1999;25(4-6):352-6.
 
                    -  Sorota S. Insights into the structure, distribution 
                      and function of the cardiac chloride channels. Cardiovasc 
                      Res May 1999;42(2):361-76.
 
                    -  Inglefield JR, Schwartz-Bloom RD. Fluorescence imaging 
                      of changes in intracellular chloride in living brain slices. 
                      Methods June 1999;18(2):197-203.
 
                    -  Hansen PB, Jensen BL, Skott O. Chloride regulates afferent 
                      arteriolar contraction in response to depolarization. Hypertension 
                    Dec 1998;32(6):1066-70.