Dear Alexandra, You are right, I am afraid there is a misunderstanding here. Years ago, it was advised not to use standard ORS for children with SAM because it had a high Na content (90 mEq Na/L). We are not sure this advice still makes sense with current ORS with lower Na levels (70 mEq/L), especially when given according to recommendations. But in any case, nothing to do with chloride, which should preferably be there to get low bacteria levels. I heard another discussion about the effect of highly chlorinated water on vitamin levels when use to make F75 or F100. Some vitamins (C and A especially) are damaged by chloride. I don’t know what is the final expert opinion on that. I guess the effect should be minimal when chloride levels are kept within the usual limits for drinking water.

I can not speak to interactions between chlorine and vitamins in F75/100. However, it is my understanding that chlorine evaporates from drinking water quite quickly (yes, my kids keep goldfish!). To remove chlorine from drinking water, we simply leave it in an uncovered container overnight. In a situation where preventing mosquito breeding is important, I would cover the container with a small net (I have decorative lace nets that are weighted with beads that my great grandmother made for keeping insects out of water jugs). Whether or not chlorine is problematic, I could not say, but it is easy enough to remove.