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Phosphorus is a mineral that makes up 1% of total body weight. It is present in every cell of the body, but 85% of the body's phosphorus is found in the bones and teeth.
A mineral that is quite abundant in the earth's crust, phosphorus is an important component of many biological molecules, usually in the form of phosphates. Cells contains phospholipids, phosphorylated proteins, and the DNA backbone is highly saturated with phosphate molecules.
Excessively high levels of phosphorus in the blood, although rare, can combine with calcium and deposit in soft tissues like muscle. These high levels of phosphorus in blood only occur in people with severe kidney disease or severe dysfunction of their calcium regulation.
Source
There is no known deficiency of phosphorus because it is so available in the food supply. The main food sources are the protein food groups of meat and milk (also lentils, seeds, beans, nuts, chocolate, peanut butter, bran.) A meal plan that provides adequate amounts of calcium and protein also provides an adequate amount of phosphorus.
Whole-grain breads and cereals contain more phosphorus than refined cereals and breads made from refined flour. However, the phosphorus in whole-grain products is in the form of phytin, a storage form of phosphorus that is not absorbed by humans.
Fruits and vegetables contain only small amounts of phosphorus.
Phosphorus is often added to multi-mineral products as well as bone supplementation products.
Function
The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of the bones and teeth. It plays an important role in the body's utilization of carbohydrates and fats, and in the synthesis of protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.
Phosphorus works with the B vitamins in their functions in the body. It also assists in the contraction of muscles, in the functioning of kidneys, in maintaining the regularity of the heartbeat, and in nerve conduction.
Phosphate molecules are also important in bone structure and for the modulation of plasma and bone calcium. The compound calcium "hydroxyapetite" is a complex of calcium, phosphate, and hydroxyl groups; and is often used as a supplement for bone replacement.
Directions
The USRDA for phosphorus is 1gm. The more accurate breakdown is:- Birth-3 years: 300-800mg
- 4-10 years: 800mg
- Adults, men and women: 800-1200mg
- Pregnancy/lactating women: 1200mg.
Most diets in the U.S. have adequate amounts of phosphorus.
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Phosphorus can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | May have adverse consequences |  | | Reasonably likely to cause problems |
GLOSSARY
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Carbohydrates (Carbohydrate)
The sugars and starches in food. Sugars are called simple carbohydrates and found in such foods as fruit and table sugar. Complex carbohydrates are composed of large numbers of sugar molecules joined together, and are found in grains, legumes, and vegetables like potatoes, squash, and corn.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the large molecule that is the main carrier of genetic information in cells. DNA is found mainly in the chromosomes of cells.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Lactation (Lactate, Lactates, Lactating)
Production of milk; period after giving birth during which milk is secreted in the breasts.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Phosphorus
The second most abundant mineral in the body, found in every living cell. It is involved in the proper functioning of both muscles and nerves. It is needed for metabolic processes of all cells, to activate many other nutrients, and to form energy-storage and energy-releasing compounds. The phosphorus content of the body is approximately 1% of total body weight. Phosphorus combines with fats to form phospholipids. Combined with calcium, it gives strength and rigidity to the bones and teeth.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Last updated: May 11, 2008
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