
What foods should I avoid that are high in phosphorus?
What foods should I avoid that are high in phosphorus?
- Beverages: Ale, beer, chocolate drinks, cocoa drinks made with milk, canned iced teas, dark colas
- Dairy Products: Cheese cottage, cheese custard ice, cream milk, pudding, cream soups, yogurt
- Protein: Carp, crayfish, beef liver, chicken liver, fish roe, organ meats, oysters, sardines
What foods have high phosphorus levels?
Top 12 Foods That Are High in Phosphorus
- Chicken and Turkey. One cup (140 grams) of roasted chicken or turkey contains around 300 mg of phosphorus, which is more than 40% of the recommended daily intake (RDI).
- Pork. A typical 3-ounce (85-gram) portion of cooked pork contains 25–32% of the RDI for phosphorus, depending on the cut.
- Organ Meats. ...
- Seafood. ...
- Dairy. ...
- Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds. ...
- Nuts. ...
What can cause a high phosphorus level?
Too much phosphate in the blood is known as hyperphosphatemia. The most common cause is kidney disease, but other conditions can lead to phosphate levels being out of balance. Phosphate is a chemical found in the body. It contains a mineral called phosphorus that occurs naturally in many foods.
How high is too high for phosphorus levels?
• Too high! If your phosphorus level is above 5.5 mg/dL, you might have severe itching. Or, you might not feel any different. But, in the long run, phosphorus levels that are too high can lead to bone and other health problems if your calcium level is high, too. If you are taking active vitamin D, your doctor may lower your dose. • Just right. Good for you if your phosphorus level is in the target range.
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Is 5 a high phosphorus?
What Is Hyperphosphatemia? Hyperphosphatemia may be described as high levels of inorganic phosphate in the blood. The normal range for phosphorous is 2.5-4.5 mg/dL. Normal values may vary from laboratory to laboratory.
Is High phosphorus in blood dangerous?
Phosphorus works together with the mineral calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Normally, the kidneys filter and remove excess phosphate from the blood. If phosphate levels in your blood are too high or too low, it can be a sign of kidney disease or other serious disorder.
When should I be concerned about high phosphorus?
Yet in larger-than-normal amounts, phosphate can cause bone and muscle problems and increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes. A high phosphate level is often a sign of kidney damage. It's more common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in those with end-stage kidney disease.
What is the acceptable level of phosphorus?
Normal values range from: Adults: 2.8 to 4.5 mg/dL. Children: 4.0 to 7.0 mg/dL.
How do you lower phosphorus quickly?
Here are seven methods to help control high levels of phosphorus:Reduce the amount of phosphorus you eat. ... Take phosphorus binders. ... Take vitamin D. ... Take a calcimimetic medicine. ... Stay on dialysis the entire time. ... Start an exercise program approved by a doctor. ... Get an operation to remove some of the parathyroid glands.
What would cause phosphorus to be high?
Your kidneys play an important role in maintaining phosphorus levels in your body. If your kidneys don't function properly, you're more likely to develop hyperphosphatemia. This leads to phosphorus building up in your blood. Your kidneys also turn vitamin D into a material to strengthen your bones.
How much phosphorus is OK for kidney disease?
Healthy adults with normal kidney function, under 70 years of age, should consume less than 4,000 mg/day of phosphorus. Those over 70 years should consume no more than 3,000 mg/day. Average daily intake of phosphorus by healthy adults should not exceed these ULs.
What foods to avoid if phosphorus is high?
High-phosphorus foods to avoid or limit:Dairy foods.Beans.Lentils.Nuts.Bran cereals.Oatmeal.Colas and other drinks with phosphate additives.Some bottled ice tea.
Does vitamin D lower phosphorus?
With vitamin D deficiency, serum phosphorus values usually decrease because of the associated hyperparathyroidism, but hyperphosphatemia has been reported to occur when vitamin D deficiency is severe [1, 6].
What are the toxicity symptoms of phosphorus?
Clinical description. Ingestion of elemental white or yellow phosphorus typically causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, which are both described as “smoking,” “luminescent,” and having a garlic-like odor. Other signs and symptoms of severe poisoning might include dysrhythmias, coma, hypotension, and death.
What does phosphorus do to the kidneys?
Over time this can cause an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, or death. Aside from these dangerous effects, studies have also shown that high phosphorus levels may directly harm the kidneys and cause a loss of kidney function. This loss of function increases the risk for kidney failure.
Why is phosphorus high in kidney disease?
Healthy kidneys remove extra phosphorus from the blood. If your kidneys don't work well, you can develop a high phosphorus level in your blood, putting you at greater risk of heart disease, weak bones, joint pain and even death.
What foods to avoid if phosphorus is high?
High-phosphorus foods to avoid or limit:Dairy foods.Beans.Lentils.Nuts.Bran cereals.Oatmeal.Colas and other drinks with phosphate additives.Some bottled ice tea.
How can I lower my phosphorus levels naturally?
Your body absorbs less of the phosphorus from natural foods, and natural foods offer better nutrition overall. For many years, people who needed to limit phosphorus were told to limit healthy foods such as whole grains, legumes and other plant-based foods.
Does vitamin D lower phosphorus?
With vitamin D deficiency, serum phosphorus values usually decrease because of the associated hyperparathyroidism, but hyperphosphatemia has been reported to occur when vitamin D deficiency is severe [1, 6].
What is the normal phosphate level in the blood?
In adults, normal phosphate concentration in serum or plasma is 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL (0.81 to 1.45 mmol/L) [ 10 ].
How much phosphorus is in the human body?
In humans, phosphorus makes up about 1 to 1.4% of fat-free mass. Of this amount, 85% is in bones and teeth, and the other 15% is distributed throughout the blood and soft tissues [ 1 ]. Many different types of foods contain phosphorus, mainly in the form of phosphates and phosphate esters [ 1 ].
What are phosphorus additives?
Phosphate additives (e.g., phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, and sodium polyphosphate) are present in many foods, especially processed food products. These additives are used for such purposes as preserving moisture or color and enhancing and stabilizing frozen foods [ 18 ]. Foods containing these additives have an average of 67 mg more phosphorus per serving than similar foods not containing the additives, and these additives contribute to overall phosphorus intakes in the United States [ 18, 19 ].
How are calcium and phosphorus related?
Phosphorus and calcium are interrelated because hormones, such as vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH), regulate the metabolism of both minerals. In addition, phosphorus and calcium make up hydroxyapatite, the main structural component in bones and tooth enamel [ 3 ]. The combination of high phosphorus intakes with low calcium intakes increases serum PTH levels, but evidence is mixed on whether the increased hormone levels decrease bone mineral density [ 2, 4-6 ].
How much phosphorus is bioavailable?
The bioavailability of phosphate salts is approximately 70% [ 15, 24 ]. The bioavailability of other forms of phosphorus in supplements has not been determined in humans.
What is phosphorus in the body?
Phosphorus, an essential mineral, is naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. Phosphorus is a component of bones, teeth, DNA, and RNA [ 1 ]. In the form of phospholipids, phosphorus is also a component of cell membrane structure and of the body’s key energy source, ATP. Many proteins and sugars in the body are phosphorylated. In addition, phosphorus plays key roles in regulation of gene transcription, activation of enzymes, maintenance of normal pH in extracellular fluid, and intracellular energy storage. In humans, phosphorus makes up about 1 to 1.4% of fat-free mass. Of this amount, 85% is in bones and teeth, and the other 15% is distributed throughout the blood and soft tissues [ 1 ].
Which organs regulate phosphorus?
The kidneys, bones, and intestines regulate phosphorus homeostasis, which requires maintenance of urinary losses at equivalent levels to net phosphorus absorption and ensuring that equal amounts of phosphorus are deposited and resorbed from bone [ 1, 7, 8 ]. Several hormones, including estrogen and adrenaline, also affect phosphorus homeostasis. When kidney function declines, as in chronic kidney failure, the body cannot excrete phosphate efficiently, and serum levels rise [ 9 ].
What is the risk of kidney disease if you have phosphorus?
In a study of over 2,000 healthy people, phosphorus above 4 mg/dL was associated with double the risk of developing chronic kidney disease [ 51 ].
What are the effects of phosphorus?
Decreasing Blood Phosphorus. Further Reading. Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, essential for energy, bone, heart, lung, and brain health. Imbalances may disrupt your metabolism and raise your risk of chronic diseases.
What is Phosphorus?
Phosphorus is the sixth most abundant element in the body after oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and calcium. It is the second most abundant mineral and makes up about 1% of our body weight [ 1, 2 ].
How much phosphorus does the kidney absorb?
In adults, kidneys will normally get rid of a fairly constant amount of phosphorus (> 90% ). But when the supply is low, kidneys can reabsorb phosphate very efficiently, reducing urine levels down to virtually zero. Also, when there’s phosphate overload, healthy kidneys can rid the body of any excess amounts [ 1, 2 ].
How does phosphorus affect the body?
Phosphate in the bones acts as a buffer that responds to specific imbalances. It moves in and out of bones as needed. Bone breakdown releases phosphorus, raising its blood levels. Increased bone mineralization, on the other hand, attracts phosphorus into the bones and lowers its blood levels [ 7, 2 ].
How is phosphorus broken down?
Natural or organic sources of phosphorus need to be broken down by digestive enzymes, leading to slower and less efficient absorption in the gut. The absorption ranges from 40 to 70% and is higher from animal sources (up to 70%) than from plants (up to 50%). Phytates greatly lower phosphorus bioavailability. They are found in whole grains and vegetables [ 13, 14, 7 ].
Which hormones affect phosphate levels?
Hormones that affect blood phosphate levels are [ 2, 1, 16, 12 ]: Calcitriol, or active vitamin D: promotes phosphorus absorption in the gut and increases blood phosphate levels.
Your Phosphorus level of 4.6 is a High 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.
Your Phosphorus level of 5.1 indicates a High 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.
What does high phosphate level mean?
A high phosphate level is often a sign of kidney damage. It’s more common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in those with end-stage kidney disease.
What is it called when you have a high phosphate level?
Having a high level of phosphate — or phosphorus — in your blood is known as hyperphosphatemia. Phosphate is an electrolyte, which is an electrically charged substance that contains the mineral phosphorus.
Why does my phosphate level rise?
Your blood phosphate level can also rise abruptly if you receive a phosphorus-containing laxative as preparation for a colonoscopy. Other possible causes of hyperphosphatemia include: low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism) damage to cells. high vitamin D levels.
How to lower phosphate levels in kidneys?
If your kidneys are damaged, you can lower high blood phosphate levels in three ways: reduce the amount of phosphate in your diet. remove extra phosphate with dialysis. lower the amount of phosphate your intestines absorb using medication. First, limit foods that are high in phosphorus, such as: milk. red meat.
Why do kidneys remove phosphate from blood?
Your kidneys help remove extra phosphate from your body to keep the levels in balance. When your kidneys are damaged , your body can’t remove phosphate from your blood quickly enough. This can lead to chronically elevated levels of phosphate.
What are the symptoms of low calcium levels in the kidneys?
Symptoms of low calcium include: muscle cramps or spasms. numbness and tingling around the mouth. bone and joint pain. weak bones.
Why is phosphate important?
Your body needs some phosphate to strengthen your bones and teeth, produce energy, and build cell membranes. Yet in larger-than-normal amounts, phosphate can cause bone and muscle problems and increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes. A high phosphate level is often a sign of kidney damage.
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 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.
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 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.
Where is phosphorus found in the body?
In fact, 85 percent of the phosphorus found in the body resides in the bones and teeth.
What happens when you eat phosphorus?
When you eat certain foods -- such as beans, nuts, cereal, milk, eggs, beef, chicken, and fish -- phosphorous enters your intestines. When it meets up with oxygen, it becomes phosphate. Most phosphates team up with calcium to build and repair your bones and teeth. Some support your muscles and nerves.
What does it mean when your phosphate levels are low?
When the results are too high or too low, it's a sign that something's not right. If your phosphate levels are low, it may be a sign of: Alcoholism. Severe burns. Diabetic ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood) Overuse of diuretics (drugs that remove excess fluid from the body) Using too much antacid.
What is a phosphate test?
A phosphate test measures the amount of phosphate in your blood. If that sounds too simple, stay tuned for a slight curveball. Phosphate is what you get when you combine the mineral phosphorus with oxygen. When you eat certain foods -- such as beans, nuts, cereal, milk, eggs, beef, chicken, and fish -- phosphorous enters your intestines.
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.
