Major extracellular anion; fluid and acid-base balance and stomach acid.
Switzerland age 18–65: 3.1 g/day.
Mainly table salt (sodium chloride), bread, cheese and processed foods.
Rare with a normal diet; major losses from vomiting, diarrhoea or diuretics can cause weakness and alkalosis.
Chloride problems usually occur with sodium, fluid or acid-base disturbances.
No specific hair, skin or nail signs.
Persistent vomiting/diarrhoea, diuretics and severe metabolic disorders.
Serum electrolytes and acid-base status in clinical context.
Not separately needed day to day; replace electrolytes only with relevant losses.
High salt intake usually also means excess sodium and higher blood-pressure risk.