ABSTRACT
Throughout history and different cultures, salt has taken on a variety of symbolic and religious meanings that have been perpetuated by verbal and artistic expressions, traditions, and rituals. Chloride gained status of importance when metabolic alkalosis and death were documented in infants receiving formulas deficient in the mineral. Chloride is the major negatively charged ion of the extracellular compartment. As the public interest in exercise and sports increases, a wider range of people with different physiologic and metabolic makeup will become involved in physical activities. As a result, the chances that individuals with genetic aberrations, chronic conditions, and eating disorders that are associated with electrolyte imbalances will become involved in physical activities also increase. Therefore, it is important to recognize rare and less conspicuous medical problems that can create altered balances in electrolytes, such as chloride.
