Phosphorus in your body comes from three places:
- The food you eat
- What you drink
- The medicines you take
What foods have phosphates in them?
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. ...
Where does phosphate come from?
Phosphate rock comes from geologic deposits located around the world. Its main constituent is apatite, a calcium phosphate mineral primarily extracted from sedimentary marine deposits, with a small amount obtained from igneous sources.
Where is phosphorus most commonly found?
Phosphorus is most commonly found in rock formations and ocean sediments as phosphate salts. Phosphate salts that are released from rocks through weathering usually dissolve in soil water and will be absorbed by plants. Animals absorb phosphates by eating plants or plant-eating animals.
Are phosphates safe in drinking water?
Yes — If you get the right polyphosphates for your needs. Polyphosphates are not only safe for you to drink and use in your home, they’re a key component in getting natural, soft water. Over the years, we’ve successfully used Polyphosphates to treat many water–quality issues.
See more
What increases phosphate in the body?
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.
Where is most phosphate found in the body?
About 85% of the body's phosphorus is stored in bones and teeth.
What causes phosphate deficiency?
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.
What disease is caused by lack of phosphorus?
A reduced concentration of phosphate in the blood serum is a disorder known as hypophosphatemia. Phosphorus deficiency may cause bone diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
What are phosphates found in?
Too Much May Be Tied to Trouble. Phosphorus is found naturally in dairy, meat, and plants. It's needed to help cells work properly. Phosphates enhance flavor and moistness in deli meats, frozen food, cereals, cheese, and baked goods, as well as in sodas and prepared iced tea mixes.
What does phosphate do in the human body?
Function. The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.
How much phosphorus is in the human body?
The adult human body contains about 560 g to 850 g of phosphorus. Blood serum levels of phosphorus are regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and maintained at 3 to 4 mg/100ml. Phosphorus is readily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, but can be enhanced with vitamin D intake.
What does phosphate do in the blood?
Phosphorus is a mineral the body needs to build strong bones and teeth. It is also important for nerve signaling and muscle contraction. This test is ordered to see how much phosphorus is in your blood. Kidney, liver, and certain bone diseases can cause abnormal phosphorus levels.
What foods have phosphate in them?
How much phosphate is in stool varies, depending on how much is not absorbed from food. Foods that are high in phosphate include milk, egg yolks, chocolate, and soft drinks . NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version.
Why is phosphate important?
Phosphate is necessary for the formation of bone and teeth. Phosphate is also used as a building block for several important substances, including those used by the cell for energy, cell membranes, and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The body obtains phosphate from foods and excretes it in urine and sometimes stool.
What is the role of phosphorus in the body?
Phosphorus is an element that plays an important role in the body. In the body, almost all phosphorus is combined with oxygen, forming phosphate. 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 does hypophosphatemia mean?
Hypophosphatemia (Low Level of Phosphate in the Blood) In hypophosphatemia, the level of phosphate in blood is too low. (See also Overview of Electrolytes and Overview of Phosphate's Role in the Body.) Phosphate is one of the body's electrolytes... read more
Where is phosphorus found in the body?
Approximately 85% of the body's phosphorus is found in bones and teeth. The remaining 15% is distributed through the soft tissues. In the body, phosphorus exists as phosphate, which is a salt of phosphorus. Doctors usually use the terms "phosphorus" and "phosphate" interchangeably.
What Is Phosphate Used For?
It's a structural component of bones and teeth and plays a role in building bone mass. It is also involved in DNA and RNA synthesis, assists in energy production and storage, and supports tissue growth during individual development or through pregnancy and lactation.
Why is phosphorus in bread easier to absorb than cereal?
The phosphorus found in whole grains that are incorporated into leavened bread is easier to absorb than cereals and flatbreads because bread contains yeasts that possess phytases (the enzyme that breaks down phytic acid into phosphorus).
How does sodium phosphate help with constipation?
This class of laxatives helps promote a bowel movement by drawing water into the bowel, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass . Laxatives containing sodium phosphates have label warnings, cautioning users to limit use to no more than once per day—the products should not be used for more than three days.
Does phosphorus help kidneys?
Side effects from phosphorus intake are rare because healthy kidneys help remove extra phosphate from your body to keep your blood levels in balance. However, certain types of medical conditions can make your body inefficient at removing extra phosphorus from the blood, which can result in a condition called hyperphosphatemia.
Does phosphorus affect bone?
These additives have negative effects on bone metabolism and present a prime opportunity to lower total phosphorus intake in the United States. Further evidence is needed to confirm whether lowering dietary phosphorus intake would have beneficial effects to improve fracture risk.
Can you take phosphorus with water?
Should your physician suggest you supplement with phosphorus, for whatever reason, they may recommend a tablet, capsule, or powder form. Most of the time, phosphorus will need to be mixed with water. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to prevent side effects.
What is phosphorus found in?
Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods like beer, cheese, beans, and fish. It is also one of the most common substances in your everyday environment and in your body. It plays an important role in the health of your kidneys, bones, muscles, and blood vessels, as well as each cell in your body.
What foods have phosphorus in them?
Bran cereal, blueberry muffins, and nachos are also high in phosphorus.
What happens when phosphorus levels in blood get too low?
Hypophosphatemia occurs when phosphorus levels in your blood get too low. This causes your energy levels to drop. It can also cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and a low tolerance for exercise. Insufficient phosphorus coinciding with low levels of calcium and vitamin D can lead to weaker, softer bones over long periods of time.
Why is phosphorus high?
Your phosphorus levels can get too high when your kidneys aren’t working correctly. This can also cause your calcium levels to rise. Dangerous calcium deposits can potentially form in your heart, blood vessels, eyes, and lungs.
How to lower phosphorus levels?
Doctors may prescribe phosphate binders in order to lower phosphorus levels. These are taken with meals and snacks and limit the amount of phosphorus that your body can absorb. Lifestyle choices can help balance out high levels of phosphorus. Be sure to get enough exercise, stay well-hydrated, and eat a balanced, low-phosphorus diet.
Why do we need phosphorus and calcium?
You need the right amount of both calcium and phosphorus for bone health. Phosphorus also plays an important structural role in nucleic acids and cell membranes. And it’s involved in the body’s energy production. Your body absorbs less phosphorus when calcium levels are too high, and vice versa.
What foods have high phosphorus levels?
Finding foods with high phosphorus levels isn’t hard. Pork, cod, salmon, and tuna are all high in phosphorus. Good dairy sources include:
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 ].
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 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 ].
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 ].
Where is phosphate mined?
Today, there are many countries around the world that mine for phosphate. The biggest producers include Morocco, China, and the United States. Large sources have also been found in Russia, Egypt, Algeria, Peru, and Brazil.
Where is the most phosphate found in the world?
One of the biggest reserves of phosphate within the United States is located in Florida. Even to this day, Florida 's mines account for 25% of the world's phosphate production.
Why do farmers use phosphorus?
Farmers use phosphorus as the main source for fertilizing plants because phosphorus helps the plants grow in the best conditions. Who knew such a small element would be so important for our survival! From the time that it was discovered in the 1600s, phosphorus has come a long way to the production rates of today.
How is phosphorus made?
White phosphorus, or a clear form of phosphorus, is made by heating the phosphorus rock in a furnace with high temperatures, while red phosphorus, or a red form of phosphorus, is made by heating without air present.
What are the two types of phosphate rock?
It is important to know that phosphate rock is present as two different types of rock: sedimentary and igneous. Sedimentary rock is a rock that is formed from sediment being solidified together after years of layered together. This type of phosphate rock is formed from marine life.
What is the best way to use phosphorus?
To use phosphorus for commercial use, it must be either treated with sulfuric acid or put in high heat conditions. White phosphorus or red phosphorus are two different types of phosphorus that are made with the high-heat process and have different characteristics.
When was phosphorus first discovered?
Phosphorus is an important element that is used for plant growth and health for organisms. It was first discovered in the late 1600s by Hennig Brand, who collected this element from condensation. He first believed he had discovered the philosopher's stone.
Where does phosphorus come from?
Phosphorus comes from many places. You might think that the biggest sources of phosphorus are the obvious ones—sewage treatment plants, chemical factories, and the like. But in fact, identifiable sources such as these contribute less than 20% of the phosphorus in the river.
Why do we put phosphorus on grass?
We put it on grass to make it grow. We put it on golf courses to keep them green. It occurs naturally in sewage. But the phosphorus doesn't stay where we put it. It clings to the soil. And when the soil washes away, it carries phosphorus with it.
Why do farmers use phosphorus fertilizer?
Farms started using phosphorus-enriched fertilizer to increase crop yields. Cities and towns have grown dramatically, creating more phosphorus-laden sewage. Newly paved streets and parking lots also produced more runoff, carrying phosphorus into the river.
Does golf use phosphorus?
Every lawn, every farm, every golf course that uses phosphorus contributes a little bit. But add all those little bits together, and they account for 80% of the problem. Learn more about how excess nutrients in the water cause problems in the Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone".
