It is the most abundant mineral after calcium. It undertakes many tasks such as bone and tooth development, DNA structures, energy production, muscle contractions, nerve transmission, and fulfillment of kidney functions. 85% of it is found in bones, the remainder in cells, interstitial fluid and serum.
Phosphorus can be in the form of organic phosphorus and inorganic phosphate.
Organophosphorus is located in intracellular structures such as the cytosol, mitochondria, or in the cell membrane. It is the form that is taken naturally from food. It is stored in the form of phytic acid in some foods. Phytic acid is difficult to break down in the body. For this reason, phytic acid is broken down and phosphorus is released by processing the foods such as cooking, sprouting and soaking before they are consumed. Absorption is lower than inorganic phosphate.
Inorganic phosphate is the form added to processed foods as an additive. Approximately 30% of the total phosphorus intake consists of inorganic phosphate. It is more easily absorbed from the intestines than organic phosphorus. About 15% is bound to proteins, 85% is free.
In the follow-up of blood phosphorus level, phosphate level is checked in laboratory measurements. The blood level is expected to be 2.5-4.5 mg/dL in adults. Values below are considered low blood phosphorus (hypophosphatemia) and values above are considered high blood phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia). It gives findings according to the level of deficiency or excess.
Table of contents
Where does phosphorus come from?
- Red meat,
- Chicken meat,
- Fish (salmon etc.),
- Milk and dairy products (cheese, yoghurt, etc.),
- Egg,
- Whole grains,
- Vegetables (asparagus, tomatoes, cauliflower, potatoes, etc.),
- Garlic,
- Dried fruits,
- Nuts (hazelnuts etc.),
Processed foods, delicatessen products, bacon, sausage, carbonated drinks, sports drinks, supplements, etc. Contains inorganic phosphate.
What are the functions of phosphorus?
- Ensuring the continuity of the cell wall structure (via phospholipids),
- Cell renewal and proliferation (by joining DNA and RNA structures),
- Energy production,
- Support for acid-base balance,
- Tooth development and health (coordinated with calcium),
- Bone development and health (coordinated with calcium),
- Support the transport of oxygen.
What is the phosphorus requirement?
- 0 – 1 year old child: 250 mg/day
- 1-3 years old child: 450 mg/day
- Children 4-8 years: 500 mg/day
- 9-13 years old child: 1250 mg/day
- Boy 14 years and older: 750 mg/day
- Girl 14 years and older: 750 mg/day
- Pregnancy period: 1250 mg/day
- Lactation period: 1250 mg/day
What happens in phosphorus deficiency?
Phosphorus deficiency causes usually include:
- Insufficient intake,
- Antacid use
- Chronic diarrhea,
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Increase in insulin secretion,
- Hyperparathyroidism,
- Fanconi syndrome,
- Metabolic / respiratory alkalosis,
- Hunger,
- Severe burns,
- Genetic diseases.
Phosphorus deficiency signs and symptoms include:
- Weakness,
- Anorexia,
- Muscle weakness,
- Involuntary muscle contractions,
- Loss of feeling,
- Coordination disorders,
- Impaired heart function.
What happens with an excess of phosphorus?
Diseases that cause an increase in blood phosphate level (hyperphophataemia) may include:
- Excessive phosphate intake
- Excessive use of laxatives
- Excessive parenteral phosphate intake
- Milk-alkali syndrome,
- Excess of vitamin D,
- Decreased phosphate excretion,
- Kidney failure,
- Tumors,
- The use of biphosphate
- Pseudohyperparathyroidism,
- Phosphate exchange between intracellular and extracellular,
- Acute acidosis (metabolic/respiratory),
- Tumor lysis syndrome,
- Rhabdomyolysis (excessive muscle breakdown due to trauma etc.).
Some patients do not show any symptoms. Possible signs and symptoms include:
- Muscle cramps,
- Involuntary muscle contractions,
- Numbness around the mouth,
- Muscle, joint pains,
- Fatigue, weakness,
- Short breathing,
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Sleeping disorders.
In case of elevated blood phosphate level, the blood calcium level may decrease. If calcium consumption is also low, bone loss may occur.