Phosphorus

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is very important for our body, among other things for us to have a strong skeleton and strong teeth. Phosphorus is found in virtually all foods.

What is phosphorus?

The element phosphorus, P, and a vital mineral for our body. Most of the phosphorus we have in our bodies is bound with calcium or magnesium in our bones and teeth.

What does phosphorus do for the body?

Phosphorus is important for a strong skeleton and strong teeth.

Phosphorus is important for the release of energy and regulation of metabolism.

Phosphorus is an important electrolyte and thus contributes to maintaining normal fluid balance and acid and base balance in the body.

Phosphorus is important for the transport of fatty acids in the blood.

Sources of dietary phosphorus

Phosphorus is found as phosphate in practically all food. Particularly good sources are meat, poultry, fish, offal, dairy products, eggs, legumes, nuts and almonds.

Recommended daily intake of phosphorus

1-17 years: 420-700 mg.

Over 18 years: 600 mg.

Pregnant women: 700 mg.

Breastfeeding: 900 mg.

For people under 17, the recommendations vary with age.

Breast milk contains the necessary minerals the child needs, so supplements are not recommended for children under 6 months unless a doctor or health nurse says otherwise.

What happens when there is a lack of phosphorus?

Lack of phosphorus is almost never due to too little phosphate from the diet, but alcoholics and anorexics can get too little phosphorus. Phosphorus deficiency can also be caused by a lack of vitamin D, by certain intestinal diseases that reduce the absorption of phosphorus or by excessive use of certain antacids that bind phosphorus. Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency can be fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps.

What happens with too much phosphorus intake?

People with kidney failure can have too high a level of phosphorus in the blood because the kidneys cannot excrete phosphorus. Too much phosphorus in the blood can disrupt the function of the parathyroid gland and lead to precipitation of phosphorus and calcium, which can cause severe pain.