Phosphorus is a mineral that makes up 1% of a person's total body weight. It is the second most abundant mineral in the body. It is present in every cell of the body. Most of the phosphorus in the body is found in the bones and teeth. Show The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. Phosphorus also helps the body make ATP, a molecule the body uses to store energy. Phosphorus works with the B vitamins. It also helps with the following:
The main food sources are the protein food groups of meat and milk, as well as processed foods that contain sodium phosphate. A diet that includes the right amounts of calcium and protein will also provide enough phosphorus. Whole-grain breads and cereals contain more phosphorus than cereals and breads made from refined flour. However, the phosphorus is stored in a form that is not absorbed by humans. Fruits and vegetables contain only small amounts of phosphorus. Phosphorus is so readily available in the food supply, so deficiency is rare. Excessively high levels of phosphorus in the blood, although rare, can combine with calcium to form deposits in soft tissues, such as muscle. High levels of phosphorus in blood only occur in people with severe kidney disease or severe dysfunction of their calcium regulation. Dosages for phosphorus, as well as other nutrients, are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. DRI is a term for a set of reference intakes that are used to plan and assess the nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and sex, include:
Dietary Reference Intakes of phosphorus:
Pregnant or lactating women:
*AI or Adequate Intake Mason JB, Booth SL. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 205. Yu ASL. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorus. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 111. Updated by: Meagan Bridges, RD, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 09/29/2021. You may have heard the words “phosphorus” and “phosphate.” But you may be wondering what these terms mean and what they have to do with your diet. Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods like beer, cheese, beans, and fish. It’s also one of the most common substances in your everyday environment and in your body. It plays an important role in the health of each cell in your body, as well as your:
Phosphates are a form of phosphorus. You can find phosphates in:
It’s also the drug form of phosphorus, and you can take it as a dietary supplement if you can’t get enough phosphorus naturally. Certain illnesses and diseases can prevent you from getting enough phosphorus. Phosphorus works with calcium to help build bones. You need the right amount of both calcium and phosphorus for bone health. Phosphorus also plays an important structural role in nucleic acids and cell membranes. It’s involved in the body’s energy production as well. Your body absorbs less phosphorus when calcium levels are too high, and vice versa. You also need vitamin D to absorb phosphorus properly. Insufficient phosphorus is referred to as hypophosphatemia. Hypophosphatemia occurs when phosphorus levels in your blood get too low. This causes your energy levels to drop. It can also cause:
Insufficient phosphorus along with low levels of calcium and vitamin D can lead to weaker, softer bones over long periods of time. This causes joint and muscle pain. Phosphorus levels are tightly controlled in your body. Low levels can be a sign of another disorder. A high level of phosphates in your blood is called hyperphosphatemia. Some of this condition’s symptoms overlap with those of low phosphorus. These symptoms include:
People with high phosphorus levels can also experience itching and red eyes. Symptoms of more severe cases of high phosphorus may include severe:
Your doctor can help determine the cause of high or low phosphorus levels in your body, as well as your best course of treatment. Doctors may prescribe phosphate binders in order to lower phosphorus levels. These are taken with meals and snacks and limit the amount of phosphorus that your body can absorb. Lifestyle choices can help balance out high levels of phosphorus. You can try:
Finding foods with high phosphorus levels isn’t hard. A few examples include:
Good dairy sources include:
Whole grains, egg yolks, and lentils are also high in phosphorus. While phosphorus is naturally present in many foods, processed foods may contain large amounts of additives. Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables are low in phosphorus. These foods are also an important part of your daily diet. Other foods that have very low levels of phosphorus include:
Your kidneys help remove excess phosphorus from your blood, keeping your levels balanced. Your phosphorus levels can get too high when your kidneys aren’t working as expected. This can also cause your calcium levels to rise. Dangerous calcium deposits can potentially form in your:
People with kidney disease may need dialysis to help their kidneys clean out the excess phosphorus. Phosphorus supplements and medications can be used in many ways. They have been proven to:
Phosphorus supplements might also help with bone restoration and treating excessive levels of calcium in your body due to overactive parathyroid glands. Phosphorus is integral to healthy bones and a healthy body. Sometimes health conditions such as kidney disease can affect the levels of phosphorus in your body. Talk with your healthcare professional if you feel any symptoms of high or low phosphorus. What is the function of phosphorus in your body?The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.
What disease is caused by lack of phosphorus?A reduced concentration of phosphate in the blood serum is a disorder known as hypophosphatemia. Phosphorus deficiency may cause bone diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
How does high phosphorus affect the body?Extra phosphorus causes body changes that pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak. High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Over time this can lead to increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death.
What foods contain phosphorus?Which foods have phosphorus? Phosphorus is found in high amounts in protein foods such as milk and milk products and meat and alternatives, such as beans, lentils and nuts. Grains, especially whole grains provide phosphorus. Phosporus is found in smaller amounts in vegetables and fruit.
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