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Chlorine – characteristics and uses-- Chlorides in the blood, reference value
Alicja Kowalska
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Diets Premium Expert • 23.10.2026
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian:
This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
| Diets Premium Expert Alicja Kowalska | min read 2 min | Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 23.10.2026 |
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Key Takeaways
Chlorine is an essential dietary macroelement and the primary extracellular anion in human physiology. In the human body, it plays a fundamental role in maintaining water-electrolyte balance, osmotic pressure, and acid-base equilibrium. Furthermore, chloride is indispensable for the production of gastric hydrochloric acid (HCl), necessary for protein digestion. Learn about chloride functions, dietary requirements, and normal blood serum reference ranges.
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Chlorine (Cl)
In the periodic table, chlorine belongs to the halogen group. It is an abundant element that does not exist in free elemental form in nature due to its high reactivity, but rather occurs as chloride salts, most notably sodium chloride (table salt). In the human body, chloride constitutes the primary negative ion in blood plasma and interstitial fluid, working synergistically with sodium and potassium.
Chlorine properties
Elemental chlorine is a pungent, yellowish-green gas with strong oxidizing and disinfecting properties, historically utilized in water purification. In biology, however, chloride ions (Cl-) fulfill vital non-toxic functions: they constitute the hydrochloric acid essential for gastric juice, activate digestive enzymes such as pepsinogen and amylase, and regulate neuromuscular excitability.
Chlorine is the norm
The normal physiological reference range for chloride concentration in human blood serum is 98–106 mmol/l. Along with sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate, chloride levels are regularly tested via an electrolyte panel. Hypochloremia (low blood chloride) can result from prolonged vomiting, severe sweating, or diuretic use, while hyperchloremia (elevated chloride) may stem from dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or metabolic acidosis.
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Alicja Kowalska
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