Medical specialists categorize chloride and potassium as electrolytes. Both minerals help your body maintain the correct levels of various fluids, and potassium contributes to other processes also. Many people get enough chloride and potassium through their diet. Taking supplements or increasing your intake of foods that contain the minerals can counteract the effects of inadequate consumption, but you should consult a health-care professional before resorting to supplements.
Significance of Electrolytes
Minerals classified as electrolytes have an electric charge. The group includes calcium, carbon dioxide, magnesium, phosphorous and sodium, in addition to chloride and potassium. The compounds work together to ensure your body has sufficient water and other fluids. As a result, your body is better able to complete vital functions, such as moving muscles and regulating the acidity of your blood. If a health-care provider suspects you have an electrolyte imbalance, laboratory tests can measure the level of electrolytes in your blood to determine if you need to consume less or more of certain minerals.
Chloride Features
A common component of salts such as sea salt and table salt, chloride also occurs in numerous foods and compounds in your body. Foods rich in chloride include rye, seaweed and plant products ranging from celery and lettuce to olives and tomatoes. Given the presence of chloride in regular table salt and the widespread use of salt to enhance the flavor of foods, many people in the United States consume more chloride than they need, notes the National Institutes of Health. Adequate intake of chloride for children up to age 13 is about 0.18 to 2.3 g per day. People ages 14 to 70 should consume approximately 2.3 g a day, and individuals older than 70 need roughly 1.8 to 2 g daily.
Potassium Features
A metallic compound, potassium helps nerves produce signals that cause some muscles to contract. The mineral also helps you maintain a healthy blood pressure and normal electrolyte levels. Foods that contain considerable potassium include beans, dairy products such as milk and yogurt and fruits such as avocados, cantaloupe and dates. Children up to age 13 should consume approximately 0.4 to 3.8 g of potassium each day, and people older than 13 need about 4.5 to 4.7 g daily.
Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is a combination of potassium and chloride. Health-care practitioners often recommend the compound to help treat symptoms of potassium deficiency. Known as hypokalemia, the condition occurs when you do not have enough potassium in your blood. The problem typically is seen in people who have certain diseases, especially those that cause vomiting and diarrhea. However, individuals suffering from Addison's disease, kidney failure, dehydration and tissue injuries such as burns should not take potassium chloride, according to Drugs.com.
References
- Drugs.com; Potassium Chloride; April 2009
- MedlinePlus; Chloride in Diet; February 2011
- MedlinePlus; Chloride Test -- Blood; June 2011
- MedlinePlus; Electrolytes; August 2009
- National Academy of Sciences; Dietary Reference Intakes: Electrolytes and Water; 2004
- St. John Providence Health System: Potassium
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