Phosphorus Deficiency

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.

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 suggests the following may be present:

Nutrients

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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Weak or unproven link: may be a sign or symptom of
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 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
Strong counter-indication:
often contraindicates
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