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PHOSPHORUS
Information and Facts
Phosphorus is present in the body and can be found mainly in the bones and muscles - at a total body content of around 400 - 500 grams.
It is very involved with bone and teeth formation as well as most metabolic actions in the body, including kidney functioning, cell growth and the contraction of the heart muscle.
The main inorganic component of bone is calcium phosphate salts while cell membranes are composed largely of phospholipids. While it assists the body in vitamin use (especially some B group vitamins), it also is involved in converting food to energy.
FUNCTION
- Combines with calcium to develop and maintain proper skeletal growth, strong bones and tooth development
- Enhances other nutrients
- Kidney functioning
- Transference of nerve impulses
- Utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins for growth, maintenance, repair of cells, and energy production
FOOD SOURCES
- eggs
- fish
- meat
- poultry
- seed and nuts
- whole grains
- milk
- carbonated soft drinks
- broccoli
- apples
- carrots
- asparagus
- brewer's yeast
- corn
EFFECTIVE WITH
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Manganese
- Calcium and phosphorus must be taken in balance or a deficiency might be formed
- unsaturated fatty acids increase the effectiveness of the phosphorus
Keep in mind that calcium and phosphorus must be balanced in the diet.
DOSAGE
The dosage underneath is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
Males 800 mg per day and females 800 mg per day.
DEFICIENCY OF PHOSPHORUS
Deficiency of this element is unusual but may have symptoms varying from:
- painful bones
- irregular breathing
- fatigue
- anxiety
- numbness
- skin sensitivity
- changes in body weight
A ratio of 2:1 in the diet between phosphorus and calcium can cause low blood calcium levels. If calcium is in short supply relative to phosphorus there may be increased risks of high blood pressure and bowel cancer.
WHEN MORE MAY BE REQUIRED
Aluminum hydroxide used in antacids may interfere with the absorption of phosphorus but a deficiency is most unlikely, as phosphorus is so abundant in our everyday diet.
TOXICITY
Ingesting dosages of phosphorus exceeding 3 to 4 grams may be harmful as it can interfere with calcium absorption, such as the high level in fizzy soda drinks.
More Vitamin Information:
Beta Carotene || Biotin || Choline & Choline/ Inositol || Folic Acid || Inositol || Multivitamins || Vitamin A || Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) || Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) || Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) || Vitamin B-3(Niacin) || Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid) || Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) || Vitamin B-Complex || Vitamin C/ Bioflavonoids || Vitamin D || Vitamin E || Vitamin K
