Chloride is the most abundant anion (negatively-charge particle) in the extracellular fluid. Its negative charge neutralizes the positive charge of sodium.

The average adult has about 105 mg of chloride in his or her body.

Most of the chloride we ingest comes from salt. A low-sodium diet would lead to a low-chloride diet.

Chloride is needed to make hydrochloric acid in the stomach. In the red blood cells, chloride acts to help transport carbon dioxide, a waste product, to the lungs.

Low chloride levels will impair this important process and can lead to seizures.