Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a Macronutrient, essential for life and is involved in numerous biological

processes in plants, animals, and humans.

Sources:
i. Dairy
ii. Red meat
iii. Poultry
iv. Seafood
v. Legumes
vi. Nuts

RDA:
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for Phosphorus is 700 mg for adults 19 years and
older.

Absorption:
Phosphorus absorption occurs in its inorganic form throughout the small intestine,
primarily in the duodenum and jejunum. About 50-70% of dietary phosphorusis
absorbed, with absorption from animal products at the upper end of the range, and
that from phytate- containing foods at the lower end. Variations in intake does not
affect absorption.
Absorption occurs by two processes:
1. Carrier mediated active transport system
2. Concentration dependent facilitative diffusion process
Vitamin D in the form of calcitriol stimulates absorption of Phosphorus in duodenum as well
as jejunum.

Transport:
Phosphorus is transported in the body primarily as phosphate ions (PO4^3-). It is absorbed in
the small intestine and then transported in the blood, mainly bound to proteins or complexed
with calcium. It's regulated by hormones like parathyroid hormone and vitamin D to maintain
balance in the body. Excess phosphorus is excreted mainly through the kidneys.

Storage:
Phosphorus is found in blood in both forms,
 Organic form (70% e.g. Phospholipids in Lipoproteins)
 Inorganic form (30% of phosphorus, most (approximately 85%) is as H(PO4) 2− and
H2(PO4).

Excretion:
67 to 90% Phosphorus is excreted in organic form in urine.
10 to 33% Phosphorus is excreted in the feces.
High dietary phosphorus leads to increased urinary phosphorus excretion.

Functions:
The functions of phosphorus are:

1. Bone Mineralization:

About 85% of the body's phosphorus is in bones and teeth. It is a major component of
hydroxyapatite,(mineral structure that gives bones strength and rigidity). Phosphorus
is essential for maintaining bone health and integrity.

2. Part of Nucleic acids:

Phosphate is an important component of nucleic acids i.e. DNA and RNA, alternating
with pentose sugar to form the linear backbone of these molecules.

3. Energy Storage and Transfer:

It is of vital importance in intermediary metabolism of energy nutrients in the form of

high energy phosphate bonds, such as ATP.

4. Synthesis of Phosphocreatine:

Phosphocreatine or Phosphate creatine is synthesized in muscles from ATP and

creatine and can provide energy to the muscles when needed, by transferring its PO 4
to the ADP by creatine kinase.

5. Part of Membrane:

Phospholipids, with their polar and non-polar region are important to the bilayer
structure of cell membranes.

6. Acid-Base Balance:

Phosphate is the main intracellular buffer. It helps to maintain the pH balance of

bodily fluids. Phosphate ions can act as both a weak acid and a weak base,
contributing to the regulation of acid-base equilibrium.
 7. Oxygen availability:

Phosphorus indirectly influences oxygen availability by playing a crucial role in ATP

synthesis. This ATP-dependent activity contributes to oxygen utilization and
distribution, ensuring adequate oxygen availability for cellular functions.

Deficiency Symptoms:
Following symptoms may appear due to phosphorus deficiency
o Muscle Weakness and Dysfunction
o Bone Pain
o Fatigue
o Poor Growth
o Dental Problems
o Joint Pain

Deficiency Disorder:
Deficiency of Phosphorus usually manifested by low serum phosphate concentrations i.e.
<1.5 mg/dL and leads to Hypophosphatemia, a medical condition characterized by
abnormally low levels of phosphate in the blood.
It is caused due to;
o Malnutrition or Malabsorption
o Renal Dysfunction
o Refeeding Syndrome
o Medications or alcohol abuse

Diagnosis of Phosphorus Deficiency:

Diagnosis of Phosphorus deficiency involves the following

 Physical Examinations-thorough Physical Examination for symptoms of Phosphorus

deficiency.
 Lab Tests:
- Blood tests to measure serum phosphate levels
- Urinalysis to assess Renal handling of Phosphorus
 DEXA – Assess bone health and bone mineralization to detect signs of bone
mineralization disorders.

Prevention:
Phosphorus deficiency can be prevented by:
 o Balanced diet
o Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
o Supplementation
o Regular check-ups

Treatment:
Treatment of Phosphorus deficiency aims to restore normal Phosphorus level in the body:
o Dietary changes
o Supplementation
o Underlying Cause Management
o Regular Monitoring
o Tailored Interventions

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