is low phosphate dangerous

What happens if your phosphate levels are low?

Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include loss of appetite, anxiety, bone pain, fragile bones, stiff joints, fatigue, irregular breathing, irritability, numbness, weakness, and weight change. In children, decreased growth and poor bone and tooth development may occur.

Why would phosphate levels be low?

Long-term starvation, malnutrition, and anorexia can deplete the body's stores of phosphorous over time. Acute hypophosphatemia is especially common in hospital patients undergoing refeeding. Additional causes include chronic infections, Crohn's disease, or malignant tumors.

When do you treat low phosphate?

For patients who are symptomatic and have a serum phosphate level less than 1.0 mg/dL, IV replacement is recommended, followed by oral replacement once serum phosphate levels reach greater than 1.5 mg/dL.

What is a dangerous low phosphorus level?

If your phosphorous levels are below 1.0 mg/dL, your tissues may have more trouble connecting hemoglobin with oxygen - which is critical for breathing. You may become mild to moderately short of breath. The symptoms that you notice, with lowered phosphate levels, are due to the disease that is causing this abnormality.

How do you fix low phosphate?

Healthcare providers most often use oral phosphate replacement medication (pills taken by mouth) to treat mild to moderate cases of hypophosphatemia. They may also recommend a diet high in phosphorus to correct your phosphate levels. If hypophosphatemia is severe, they provide phosphate replacement through an IV.

How common is low phosphate?

Hypophosphatemia is typically asymptomatic and is present in up to 5% of patients. It is much more prevalent in alcoholism, diabetic ketoacidosis, or sepsis, with a frequency of up to 80%. The morbidity of hypophosphatemia is highly dependent on its etiology and severity.

What are three symptoms of phosphorus deficiency?

Symptoms appearing with a phosphorus deficiency:Poor appetite.Anemia.Muscle weakness.Bone pain.Bone disease (osteomalacia, rickets)Confusion.Increased susceptibility to infections.

What medication is given for low phosphate?

In chronic hypophosphatemia, standard treatment includes oral phosphate supplementation and active vitamin D. Future treatment for specific disorders associated with chronic hypophosphatemia may include cinacalcet, calcitonin, or dypyrimadole.

How can I raise my phosphate levels?

Add lean meat, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, whole wheat, almonds, peanuts, beans and legumes to your diet. Each of these foods is very high in phosphate, although, phosphate from nuts, seeds and grains only has half the bioavailability of phosphate in animal products, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

What level of phosphorus is concerning?

To know if you have high phosphorus, doctors will test the phosphate level in your blood. If your phosphate level is higher than 4.5 mg/dL, your doctor may do other tests to check for kidney disease.

What to do if your phosphorus is low?

The treatment of your low blood phosphate levels is to identify the underlying cause, and to treat that condition. Electrolytes - your blood electrolyte levels are most likely low. Therefore, your healthcare provider may suggest magnesium or Vitamin D supplements, if your phosphorous is low. You may also be ordered a medication ...

What is the normal range for phosphorous?

You need vitamin D in order to absorb phosphate. The kidneys excrete (get rid of) phosphate from our bodies. The normal range for phosphorous is 2.5-4.5 mg/dL. Normal values may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Hypophosphatemia is also seen in people who have:

What causes a person to excrete too much phosphorus?

Kidney dysfunction or damage- This form of damage to the kidneys does not cause failure (when your phosphate levels will be higher than normal), but it causes you to excrete or get rid of too much phosphorous through the kidney. Water pills or diuretics.

Why is phosphate not absorbed?

Certain medications prevent phosphate from being absorbed. Problems with your blood electrolyte levels, such as low blood magnesium (needed to absorb phosphorous), or high blood calcium (which binds to the phosphorous, making it lower than normal). Certain breathing problems can lead to hypophosphatemia. Low blood phosphate levels may also be the ...

How do you know if you have hypophosphatemia?

There are no symptoms of hypophosphatemia, unless the values are critically low. Then you may notice trouble breathing or respiratory problems, confusion, irritability, or coma.

What happens if you don't absorb phosphate?

Poor absorption of phospha te - your body is not absorbing the phosphate. If you had stomach surgery. If you are lacking in Vitamin-D (which is needed to absorb phosphate) The absorption of phosphate is being blocked by aluminum hydroxide found in laxatives such as Maalox or Amphogel.

How many times can you vomit in 24 hours?

Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period). Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period), unrelieved with taking anti-diarrhea medication and diet modification. Severe constipation, unrelieved by laxatives, lasting 2 to 3 days. Return to list of Blood Test Abnormalities.

Why do people have hypophosphatemia?

Because the body uses large amounts of phosphate during recovery from certain disorders , acute hypophosphatemia may occur in people recovering from the following conditions: Severe undernutrition (including starvation) Diabetic ketoacidosis. Severe alcoholism.

How is hypophosphatemia diagnosed?

Hypophosphatemia is diagnosed when blood tests show that the level of phosphate in the blood is low. Doctors do other tests to identify the cause if it is not readily apparent.

What is the role of phosphate in the body?

(See also Overview of Electrolytes and Overview of Phosphate's Role in the Body .) Phosphate is one of the body's electrolytes, which are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids such as blood, but the majority of phosphate in the body is uncharged.

What is undernutrition in nutrition?

Undernutrition Undernutrition is a deficiency of calories or of one or more essential nutrients. Undernutrition may develop because people cannot obtain or prepare food, have a disorder that makes eating or... read more

Can you take phosphate by mouth?

If hypophosphatemia is mild and causes no symptoms, drinking low-fat or skim milk, which provides a large amount of phosphate, may help. Or people can take phosphate by mouth, but doing so usually causes diarrhea.

Why does the body not absorb phosphorus?

These disorders are often the result of excreting too much phosphorus in the urine or not absorbing the mineral from foods.

How do you gain phosphorus?

You gain phosphorus through the foods you eat. If you don’t have an adequate diet or have conditions that affect your ability to store and use this mineral, you may develop a phosphorus deficiency (hypophosphatemia).

What causes phosphorus levels to fall?

Poor diets or eating disorders may contribute to a deficiency. Other medical conditions or situations that cause levels to fall include diabetes, inherited disorders, and alcoholism.

What is the condition where the bones are soft?

Osteomalacia. This condition is seen in both children and adults. It refers to the softening of the bones related to vitamin D deficiency. Again, a deficiency in vitamin D can also lead to absorption issues with phosphorus and calcium. You may have no symptoms in the early stages.

How much phosphorus is in the blood?

For most healthy adults, the range of phosphorus in the blood should be between 2.5 and 4.5 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL).

What are the symptoms of low phosphorus levels?

Other symptoms include: anxiety. fatigue. irregular breathing. irritability. joint stiffness. numbness. weakness.

How to get phosphorus levels back to normal?

You may have an underlying condition that affects your ability to store phosphorus. Treatment of the condition and eating a healthy diet may help get your levels back to normal.

Diet changes, supplementation and working with a doctor can help

Kelly Burch is a freelance journalist who has covered health topics for more than 10 years. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and more.

Identify the Cause

Most Americans get enough phosphate from their diets. In America, low phosphate levels almost never occur solely because a person isn’t ingesting enough phosphate. 1

Consume Phosphate-Rich Foods

Adults need to consume 700 milligrams of phosphate daily, while youth ages 9–18 and people who are pregnant need 1,250 milligrams. 1 Almost all Americans get this amount from their diets.

Take a Phosphate Supplement

In many cases, your doctor will recommend a phosphate supplement if you have low phosphate levels. If your levels are only slightly low and you are not experiencing symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend a supplement that you take by mouth. For very low levels, you might need a supplement delivered by an intravenous line (IV). 4

Summary

Phosphate is an essential mineral that supports growth, strong bones, and general health. Low phosphate levels can cause symptoms that include weakness and increased risk for infection.

A Word From Verywell

Since phosphate is complicated, it’s important to find a healthcare provider who will work with you to answer questions. Have them help you determine the cause of your low phosphate level and the best way it can be treated in relation to other conditions you may have. They can help you understand how to take control of your health.

What is the risk of a heart attack with low phosphate levels?

The team found approximately a 75% increase in risk of heart attack, acute coronary syndrome or revascularisation procedure in those with either low or excessive blood phosphate concentrations, compared with patients with mid-range (1-1.25 mmol/L) levels.

Is phosphate a risk factor for cardiac health?

Previous research had already shown links between high blood phosphate content and cardiac health risk. However, this is the first study to identify the potential dangers of inadequate levels.

Where can phosphorus be found?

Phosphorous can be found in protein-rich foods including meat, poultry and fish and is known to have many biochemical roles including signal transduction, mineral metabolism and energy exchange.

What causes hypophosphatemia?

Acute hypophosphatemia is usually the more severe and common type of hypophosphatemia seen in clinical settings. Its causes include: 1 Recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis happens when someone mismanages their diabetes or might not realize they have it. It is a state that the body goes into when it is unable to produce enough insulin. Insulin is what helps your body break fat down and burn it as fuel. When you go into diabetic ketoacidosis, you have a buildup of acids in your bloodstream, leading to loss of consciousness or even death. 2 Chronic Alcoholism. It is believed that over time, alcoholism hampers your kidney’s ability to absorb phosphorus fully. This is one of the most common causes of hypophosphatemia. Fifty percent of people who are hospitalized due to alcoholism develop hypophosphatemia within the first three days of their hospitalization. 3 Burns. Phosphate is a source of intracellular energy, and when someone experiences a severe burn, their phosphate levels dip dangerously low. Therefore, patients must receive supplemental phosphate to stay healthy. 4 Respiratory alkalosis. This is a decreased amount of carbon dioxide pressure without increased bicarbonate. It usually happens when you hyperventilate or simply breathe in and out too quickly. Respiratory alkalosis causes acute hypophosphatemia because your cells naturally begin to shift around the phosphate stores in your bones. This cause of acute hypophosphatemia is different than the other causes because it will immediately return to normal once the hyperventilation stops.#N#‌

What hormones are produced by glands near the thyroid?

Glands located near the thyroid called parathyroids produce a hormone that signals to the body how much phosphorous it needs. Hyperparathyroidism causes the body to over excrete this hormone and give away far too much phosphorus than is necessary. Hormonal conditions.

Why does respiratory alkalosis cause hypophosphatemia?

Respiratory alkalosis causes acute hypophosphatemia because your cells naturally begin to shift around the phosphate stores in your bones. This cause of acute hypophosphatemia is different than the other causes because it will immediately return to normal once the hyperventilation stops. ‌. Chronic Hypophosphatemia‌.

What causes phosphorus to deplete?

Long-term starvation, malnutrition, and anorexia can deplete the body’s stores of phosphorous over time. Acute hypophosphatemia is especially common in hospital patients undergoing refeeding. Additional causes include chronic infections, Crohn’s disease, or malignant tumors. Hyperparathyroidism.

What is the normal phosphorus level?

Phosphorous is a mineral found in your bones that helps to keep your bones and body healthy. Normal blood phosphorous levels are between 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. Hypophosphatemia is a condition in which your blood has a low level of phosphorous. Low levels can cause a host of health challenges, including muscle weakness, respiratory or heart failure, ...

What happens when you go into ketoacidosis?

When you go into diabetic ketoacidosis, you have a buildup of acids in your bloodstream, leading to loss of consciousness or even death. Chronic Alcoholism. It is believed that over time, alcoholism hampers your kidney’s ability to absorb phosphorus fully. This is one of the most common causes of hypophosphatemia.

Why do people need phosphate?

Phosphate is a source of intracellular energy, and when someone experiences a severe burn, their phosphate levels dip dangerously low. Therefore, patients must receive supplemental phosphate to stay healthy. Respiratory alkalosis. This is a decreased amount of carbon dioxide pressure without increased bicarbonate.

Your Phosphate level of 1.8 is a Low Phosphate level

If your Phosphate is in between 2.4 mg/dL and 4.5 mg/dL, then you need not worry as 2.4-4.5 mg/dL is the normal range for Phosphate. But if your Phosphate is lesser or greater than the above values, then there may be some problem in your body.

Consult a doctor for your Phosphate problem

If you take a Phosphate blood test and the results are not in the normal range (2.4-4.5 mg/dL), your physician may recommend more tests to figure out the problem. You might also get this test if your physician thinks you have some other disease.

How the Phosphate Test Is Done

If your doctor wants Phosphate test on you, you may need a Phosphate blood test. During the Phosphate blood test, a pathologist will put a needle into your veins and take out a small quantity of blood. A pathologist is a physician in the medical field who thoroughly studies the causes and effects of disease.

Your Phosphorus level of 1.8 is a Low Phosphorus level

If your Phosphorus is in between 2.5 mg/dL and 4.5 mg/dL, then you need not worry as 2.5-4.5 mg/dL is the normal range for Phosphorus. But if your Phosphorus is lesser or greater than the above values, then there may be some problem in your body.

Consult a doctor for your Phosphorus problem

If you take a Phosphorus blood test and the results are not in the normal range (2.5-4.5 mg/dL), your physician may recommend more tests to figure out the problem. You might also get this test if your physician thinks you have some other disease.

How the Phosphorus Test Is Done

If your doctor wants Phosphorus test on you, you may need a Phosphorus blood test. During the Phosphorus blood test, a pathologist will put a needle into your veins and take out a small quantity of blood. A pathologist is a physician in the medical field who thoroughly studies the causes and effects of disease.

Overview

Starvation

• Phosphorus deficiency is rare. Even when people don’t get enough of this mineral in their diets, t…
  If you are deficient in other vitamins — like vitamin D — you may also have more trouble absorbing phosphorus and other minerals, like calcium, because of how they work together.

See more on healthline.com

Diabetes

Alcoholism

Anorexia

Inherited disorders

Rickets

Osteomalacia

Other names for phosphorus on food labels