Phosphorus - Vital And Essential for the Body

Phosphorus – vital and essential for the body
Phosphorus is another key mineral that our body needs. It is present in the body’s cells and muscles, however most of it is found in the bones and teeth. It forms about 1% of our total body weight..

Function:
Phosphorus plays an important role in the formation of bones and teeth and in helping the body utilize carbohydrates and fats. Phosphorous also helps in the synthesis of protein that is important for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissues. It is vital for the production of ATP, a molecule that the body uses to store energy.

Food Sources:
Generally foods high in protein (some meats, dairy products, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds) are higher in phosphorus

Milk and milk products, meat, poultry and eggs provide good amounts of phosphorus. A balanced meal that provides sufficient amount of calcium and protein will also supply an adequate amount of phosphorus. Whole grain cereals and breads contain more phosphorus than processed cereals, but it is in the form of phytin that is not readily absorbed by the human body. There is a negligible amount of phosphorus in fruits and vegetables.

Caution: Adults with impaired kidney function need to restrict phosphorus in their diet. Often, 800 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of phosphorus a day is the limit for someone who has kidney disease.

Deficiency
Dietary deficiency of phosphorus is very rare, because of the widespread availability of this mineral in foods. Hypophosphatemia is seen in people who starve, alcoholics, diabetic ketoacidosis, and anorexic patients. Death may result in severe deficiency cases.

The symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite

• Anemia
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain
• Numbness and tingling of the extremities
• Difficulty in walking
• Rickets in children
• Osteomalacia in adults

Toxicity
Elevated blood levels of phosphate or hyperphosphatemia results in the calcification of the non-skeletal tissues.The calcium phosphate deposition leads to organ damage, especially the kidneys.Through normal bodily function excess phosphate is efficiently removed from the circulation by the kidneys.

Hyperphosphatemia is a problem in patients with end stage renal disease therefore cutting back on phosphorus from dietary sources becomes important. Evidence suggests that hyperphosphatemia occurs due to the intestinal absorption of phosphate salts taken orally as well as from the enemas where the absorption happens in the colon.

Phosphorus is supplemented in the form of sodium phosphate and potassium phosphate; it is used to treat hypophosphatemia. It should be used only under medical supervision. Calcium phosphate salts are used as calcium supplements.

By, Sangeetha Narayana Swamy
Senior Dietitian, Nutritionvista.com