Phosphorus

BY SUZIE KREINDEL

NUTRIENT RESEARCH DH
120A
 Description and Function
Phosphorus is the second most numerous mineral occurring
within the body. It’s a vital mineral that all the cells in the body
need to operate normally.
The primary purpose phosphorus performs is aiding in the
formation and repair of teeth and bones which is why 85% of the
body’s phosphorus resides in these areas. (Ehrlich, 2015).
It is an important element in the production and storage of ATP
(used to store energy in the body), management and production in
the transcription of genes, it is a structural piece of cell membranes,
and it is used to development and preserve tissues and cells.
 Description and Function cont.
 Phosphorus acts as a buffer by maintaining the body’s extracellular fluid
pH level.
Calcium and phosphorus combine to make
“hydroxyapatite,” which is the foundation of bones
and tooth enamel.
Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D work together to
Calcium Phosphorus maintain the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in
the body and to keep them in balance.
 Dietary Sources
Phosphorus exists in nearly all the foods that we consume Such
as dairy products, poultry, beef, fish, eggs, grains, nuts,
vegetables, legumes and even processed foods. (Wax, 2019)
Vegetables and fruits have less phosphorus than dairy and meat
products. Processed foods use phosphorus as an additive to it is
used to preserve the color or moisture content and augmenting
and maintaining frozen foods.
The processed foods that contain phosphorus additives have
more phosphorus per serving than comparable naturally
occurring foods that do not have additives.
Dietary Sources continued
The suggested dietary allowance of phosphorus for adults (19 and older)
is 700mg per day and the majority of Americans ingest more than that
suggested amount. (Wax, 2019)

 Although most people don’t need to add supplemental

phosphorus to their diet to consume a sufficient amount, it is
also available in dietary supplements either by itself or in a
combination with other vitamins and/or minerals.
 Deficiencies and Syndromes
IT IS RARE TO HAVE A PHOSPHATE DEFICIENTCY! Side effects of
Generally, a deficiency is seen only in situations involving hypophosphatemia could
starvation or a rarely seen inherited disorder of the kidneys. involve: (Ehrlich, 2015)
(Higdon, 2014) •Brittle and painful bones
A phosphorus deficiency scarcely results in unusually low •Joint stiffness
quantities of phosphate (hypophosphatemia) because the •Exhaustion
kidneys will reabsorb more phosphorus to make up for the •Trouble breathing
intake decrease.
•Moodiness
It’s more likely for hypophosphatemia to result from medical •Osteomalacia
problems like defects of the kidney tubule, diabetic
•Greater vulnerability to infection
ketoacidosis, and hyperparathyroidism.
•change in weight.
Deficiencies and Syndromes continued
It is important for pregnant women to consume the recommended amount of
dietary phosphorus (and calcium) to prevent diminished mineralization of bone in
premature infants. (Higdon, 2014)
X-linked hypophosphatemia rickets is a rare genetic disorder that involves
deficiency in the metabolism of phosphorus. (National Institutes of Health, 2020)
Patients who have rickets develop osteomalacia, pseudofractures, enthesopathy
and tooth related damage. Children might experience a decline in growth and
deficient tooth and bone development. (Higdon, 2014)
Deficiencies and Syndromes continued
People suffering from malnutrition can
develop “refeeding syndrome” or
“refeeding hypophosphatemia.”
Other causes of refeeding syndrome
include:
•Cancer
•Cirrhosis
•Anorexia nervosa
•Excessive consumption of alcohol
•Trouble swallowing/ chewing
Associated symptoms of refeeding syndrome
are:
•Cardiac arrest
•Neuromuscular function impairment
•Respiratory failure
•Coma
•Congestive heart failure
•Death
Treatment to prevent refeeding syndrome
involves a prophylactic administration of
thiamin and phosphorus.
Management of Deficiencies and Syndromes
A phosphorus deficiency can be managed by increasing the number of
phosphorus containing foods to be consumed daily, and/or adding a phosphorus
supplement. Medical supervision may be required for proper treatment of
hypophosphatemia.
 Excess Phosphorus
Excess phosphorus is more likely to occur, but it will RARELY cause problems in
healthy people.
Too much phosphorus is considered more problematic than not having enough. Excess
phosphorus usually results from kidney disease/problems or consuming a lot of
phosphorus and not enough calcium.
Whenever the phosphorus intake increased the calcium intake should also be increased
to maintain the proper ratio of both minerals needed to prevent things like osteoporosis
and sustain the correct bone density.
Too much phosphorus can impact the body’s capability to successfully absorb and use
different minerals in the body including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
 Excess Phosphorus continued
Chronic kidney disease is a condition where kidney function decreases and
the kidneys cannot excrete phosphate effectively.
Phosphorus is retained causing an unusual metabolism of calcium,
parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and/or phosphorus; bone mineralization,
turnover, or strength; and calcification of soft tissues.
Chronic kidney disease patients risk developing cardiovascular disease,
progression of CKD, and a higher risk of premature mortality.
Dental and oral hygiene considerations
After ingesting food, phosphate and calcium ions are moved around in the mouth by
means of saliva and work to fix and remineralize teeth. If there is not enough
salivation occurring, the phosphorus ions and calcium ions have no way to move
around efficiently to restore teeth.
If the pH environment of the saliva is not
balanced, there is a great risk of dental caries
(Malekipour, Messripour and Shirani, 2008).
Dental and oral hygiene considerations
While phosphorus is an important mineral to the body, supplements should be used
with caution. Taking phosphorus supplements and potassium supplements at the same
time can cause hyperkalemia which can result in heart arrhythmias. (Ehrlich,
2015)
Too much phosphorus and not enough calcium can lead to a calcium deficiency, so
maintaining the correct phosphorus to calcium levels in the body can help prevent
demineralization of teeth and bones.
 More Information
Alcohol, certain antacids and even corticosteroids can have a negative interaction
on the amount of phosphorus in the body. Many drugs can cause a depletion of
phosphorus levels, but some can increase the levels in the body (insulin) raising the
risk of harmful side effects from an excess or deficiency of phosphorus. (Ehrlich,
2015)
Keeping a balance of calcium to phosphorus can help prevent the formation of
calcium stones and other mineral deposits from forming in numerous places in the
body, including the urinary tract. The balance can also help treat certain kinds of
urinary tract infections.
 Even More Information
Processed food companies don’t always include an accurate description of how much
phosphorus has been added to their product. Those who consume large quantities of
processed foods are at a higher risk of developing complications related to excess
phosphorus in their body than those who consume non-processed foods. (Higdon, 2014)
 Summary
Phosphorus aids in the development and preservation bones, teeth, cells, and
tissues.
It generally is a nutrient most healthy adults don’t need to worry about.
It is important to be aware of the functions and dietary recommendations of
phosphorus and stay somewhat close to the recommended daily intake of
700mg.
Adding or removing phosphorus containing foods and/or supplements can affect
the balance with other vitamins and minerals in the body, potentially causing
problems.
Summary continued
Addressing a deficiency or excess amount of
phosphorus and making the correct adjustments could
help prevent demineralization of bones and teeth.
Diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease can cause
a deficiency in absorption rate of phosphorus.
Precautions should be taken when consuming certain
medications (like insulin) or supplements to make
sure they don’t interfere with the absorption rate of
phosphorus.
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Higdon, Ph.D., J. (2014, June). Phosphorus. Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University. Retrieved
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Mohammad Reza Malekipour, Manoochehr Messripour and Farzaneh Shirani. (2008). Buffering
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National Institutes of Health (2020, March 2). Phosphorus Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved May 20, 2020, from
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Phosphorus-HealthProfessional/

Wax, RD, CNSC, E. (2019, February 2). Phosphorus in diet. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
Retrieved May 21, 2020, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002424.htm
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