Phosphorus Deficiency: Overview
Next to calcium, phosphorus is the most abundant mineral in the body. These two important nutrients work closely together to build strong, healthy bones and teeth. In fact, your body needs phosphorus in order to utilize calcium.
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Most of the phosphorus (85%) in the body is in bones and teeth, but it is also found in cells and tissues throughout the body.
Causes and Development
Although most people get plenty of phosphorus in their diets, some health conditions such as diabetes, starvation, and alcoholism can cause levels of phosphorus in the body to fall. Some medications, such as certain antacids and diuretics can also lower phosphorus levels.
Diseases such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients such as phosphorus.
Eating a lot of foods lacking in nutrition ('junk foods') can lead to phosphorus deficiency, as can inadequate phosphorus intake through food supplement intake. Some soils are depleted of phosphorus and give rise to phosphorus-deficient produce.
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Phosphorus Deficiency:Signs, symptoms & indicators of Phosphorus Deficiency:
Symptoms - Food - General
Symptoms - Food - Preferences
Afternoon coffee/sugar craving
Cravings for sweets and cravings for coffee both indicate a possible phosphorus deficiency.
Symptoms - Metabolic
Low energy/stamina
Sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate is often used by endurance athletes in order to increase aerobic capacity and athletic performance. Phosphates reduce the effects of lactic acid build-up in the muscles; they help make oxygen delivery to the muscles more efficient; they are used in the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (the chemical form of energy within cells) and Creatine Phosphate (an immediate energy store) and therefore are believed to increase the chemical energy stored within cells.
Counter-indicators
High energy/stamina
Sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate is often used by endurance athletes in order to increase aerobic capacity and athletic performance. Phosphates reduce the effects of lactic acid build-up in the muscles; they help make oxygen delivery to the muscles more efficient; they are used in the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (the chemical form of energy within cells) and Creatine Phosphate (an immediate energy store) and therefore are believed to increase the chemical energy stored within cells.
Symptoms - Mind - Emotional
Symptoms - Nervous
Symptoms - Skeletal
(Minor/major) joint pain/swelling/stiffness
If you constantly feel stiff, you may be suffering from phosphorus deficiency. Phosphorus plays an important role in developing and maintaining not only healthy bones and teeth, but also joints.
Risk factors for Phosphorus Deficiency:
Nutrients
Magnesium Requirement
Magnesium is required for your body to properly utilize phosphorus. If you're not getting enough magnesium in your diet, your body might be unable to absorb sufficient phosphorus.
Symptoms - Skeletal
History of/history of many broken bones
Phosphorus is just as important as calcium for building strong bones. If you suffer broken bones, this may indicate bone weakness that is due to mineral deficiencies.
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Phosphorus Deficiency can lead to:
Dental / Oral
Susceptibility To Cavities
Phosphorus is just as important for healthy teeth as calcium. Without sufficient phosphorus, your body can not properly utilize the calcium that you consume.
Metabolic
Excessive Fatigue
Phosphorus helps your body metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates into energy. A lack of phosphorus can lead to lower energy levels and fatigue.
Musculo-Skeletal
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KEY
Weak or unproven link:
may be a sign or symptom of
Strong or generally accepted link:
is often a sign or symptom of; often increases risk of; often suggests; often leads to
Strong counter-indication:
often contraindicates
Last updated: Dec 29, 2021