You may have heard the terms "phosphorus" and "phosphate." But you may be wondering what these terms mean and how they relate to your diet.
Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods, including beer, cheese, beans and fish. It is also one of the most common substances found in your daily environment and body.
It affects the health of every cell in your body and your:
- kidney
- bone
- muscle
- Blood vessel
What is phosphate?
Phosphate is a form of phosphorus. You can find phosphates at:
- dishwashing detergent
- Baking ingredients
- processed cheese
It is also a pharmaceutical form of phosphorus and can be taken as a dietary supplement if you don't get enough phosphorus naturally. Certain diseases can prevent you from getting enough phosphorus.
The role of phosphorus in the body
Phosphorus, along with calcium, helps bones grow. For bone health, you need the right amounts of calcium and phosphorus.
Phosphorus also plays important structural roles in nucleic acids and cell membranes. It is also involved in the body's energy production.
When calcium levels are too high, your body absorbs less phosphorus, and vice versa. You also need vitamin D to absorb phosphorus properly.
Symptoms of too little phosphorus
Not enough phosphate is called hypophosphatemia. Hypophosphatemia occurs when the level of phosphorus in the blood is too low. This can cause your energy levels to drop. It may also cause:
- muscle weakness
- fatigue
- Low tolerance for exercise
Insufficient phosphorus and low levels of calcium and vitamin D can lead to long-term weakening and softening of bones. This can cause joint and muscle pain.
The amount of phosphorus in your body is tightly controlled. Low levels may be a sign of another disease.
Foods high in phosphorus
Finding foods high in phosphorus is not difficult. Some examples include:
- pork
- cod
- salmon
- tuna
Good dairy sources include:
- milk
- chocolate
- yogurt
- eggnog
- Ricotta and American cheese
- instant pudding
Whole grains, egg yolks, and lentils are also high in phosphorus. While phosphorus occurs naturally in many foods, processed foods may contain large amounts of additives.
low phosphorus foods
Almost all fresh fruits and vegetables are low in phosphorus. These foods are also an important part of your daily diet. Other foods that are very low in phosphorus include:
- Popcorn
- Yantian
- corn flake
- bread
- protein
How phosphorus affects the kidneys
Your kidneys help remove excess phosphorus from your blood and keep phosphorus levels balanced. When your kidneys don't work as well as they should, your phosphorus levels may be too high. This can also cause your calcium levels to rise.
Dangerous calcium deposits may form in the following areas of your body:
- Heart
- Blood vessel
- Eye
- lung
People with kidney disease may need dialysis to help the kidneys remove excess phosphorus.
Supplements and Medications
Phosphorus supplements and medications can be used in a variety of ways. They have been proven:
- as a laxative
- Treat urinary tract infections and urinary stones
- Treating low mineral levels in severely malnourished patients
Phosphorus supplements may also aid in bone repair and treat high levels of calcium in the body due to an overactive parathyroid gland.
generalize
Phosphorus is an integral part of healthy bones and a healthy body. Sometimes, health conditions such as kidney disease can affect the levels of phosphorus in the body.
If you feel any symptoms of high or low phosphorus, talk to your healthcare professional.
