Phosphorus
DESCRIPTION:
Phosphorus makes up 0.8% to 1.1% of
total body weight. It is primarily found in the skeleton and
teeth in the compound Calcium
phosphate. Calcium phosphate gives soft organic portions of bone
and teeth structural rigidity.
Aside from providing structure for
bone and teeth, phosphorus has an important function in nearly
all cell metabolic activities. As the major constituent of
phosphate, phosphorus is essential for energy storage as
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules.
Phosphorus is also an important
constituent of RNA and DNA. In addition, it is a part of
phospholipids, which are important cellular membrane structures.
The phosphate group plays an important role in the breakdown of
glucose. It is also found in many enzymes and proteins.
Phosphorus deficiency is a concern
mostly for people who take phosphate-binding antacids or who
experience excessive losses of urine. Otherwise, it is an
extremely rare condition. Symptoms include fatigue,
anorexia, bone demineralisation, osteomalacia, convulsions, and
abnormal or incomplete mineralisation of developing teeth. . It
may also result from impaired renal phosphate absorption, a
characteristic of Vitamin
D-resistant rickets. Symptoms are similar to those of other
forms of rickets.
Age RDA (mg)
Infants/children
0-6 months 300
6-12 months 500
1-10 years 800
males
11-24 years 1200
25+ years 800
females
11-24 years 1200
25+ years 800
pregnancy
1200
lactation 1200
Bone and Dental health:
Supplementation of phosphorus may be important for people with
low phosphate to Calcium
ratios. Younger people may especially benefit from
supplementation for proper bone and tooth mineralisation (1,2).
Hypophosphatemia:
For people with hypophosphatemia, phosphorus supplements may be
helpful for the treatment of osteomalacia, rickets, bone pain,
and muscle weakness.
In large amounts, phosphorus is not
toxic per se. However, if the amount is disproportionately
greater than calcium levels, increased excretion of calcium can
occur, resulting in calcium deficiency.
People with renal insufficiencies
may have high blood levels of phosphate due to decreased
excretion of phosphorus. Skeletal demineralisation and mineral
resorption may occur. Aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate
can be used to reverse this condition.
INTERACTIONS
AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
There are no known drug interactions
or contra-indications for phosphorus.
The following are food sources of
phosphorus: artichokes,
beef, broccoli, chicken, egg, ice cream, dried beans, beef
liver, cheese, chicken liver, green peas, lamb liver, lentils,
lima beans, milk, mushroom, orange sherbet, parsnip, peanut,
pork, potatoes, sardines, turkey liver, veal liver, enriched
white bread, whole wheat bread, winter squash, and yogurt.
REFERENCES:
1. Heaney, R.P. In: Bone and Mineral
Research, Vol 4. Elsevier: New York, 1986, pp. 255-301.
2. Marel, G.M., McKenna, M.J., Frame, B. In: Bone and Mineral
Research, Vol 4. Elsevier: New York, 1986, pp.335-412.
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