Chlorine Cl

Atomic Number: 17
Atomic Weight: 35.45

Human Physiology:

• Needed for protein digestion
• Helps regulate acid-base balance
• Necessary for B12 absorption as well as other essential metallic minerals
• Essential part of hydrochloric acid (digestive stomach acid)
• RDA: 1.8-5.1 g/day

Prevalence:

• Exists abundantly in seawater and in the earth's crust

Source:

• Salt
• Sea water
• Celery, tomatoes, olives, lettuce
• Salt substitutes (potassium chloride)

Deficiency:

• Metabolic alkalosis
• Apathy
• Dehydration
• Slowed growth and delayed speech in children

Excess:

• Edema
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased risk for some cancers