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Phosphorus

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Phosphorus

Phosphorus Test and Phosphorus Rich Foods

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What Is Phosphorus?

Phosphorus: Heart Function

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What Is Phosphorus and What Does It Do?

Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. Your body needs phosphorus to make energy and to carry out many important chemical processes.

Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)

Additional Materials (9)

Phosphorus, Kidney Failure

Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. Higher-than-normal levels of phosphorus are often caused by kidney disease or a diet that has too much phosphorus and too little calcium; a fine balance must be maintained between dietary calcium and phosphorus for optimum bone density.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus, Chronic Alcoholism

Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. About 80% of phosphorus resides in the bones and teeth. Because alcohol can leach phosphorus from the bones, phosphorus deficiency is often associated with alcoholism, especially when combined with malnutrition.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus, Heart Function (EKG)

Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. Phosphorus assists in the contraction of muscles, nerve conduction and the regulation of heartbeat. Using phosphorus supplements along with potassium supplements may elevate potassium levels, which can result in life-threatening arrhythmias.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus Test and Phosphorus Rich Foods

Phosphorus Test and Phosphorus Rich Foods : The phosphorus test is used to monitor the levels of phosphorus in the blood. Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. A wide variety of foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, dairy, beans, peas, nuts, and grains contain significant amounts of phosphorus. Plant-based sources of phosphorus, however, are less available to the body because we lack digestive enzymes to fully utilize them.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus Intake and Chronic Kidney Disease

Video by UC San Diego Health/YouTube

Phosphorus and kidney disease - Dining out

Video by kidneyfund/YouTube

Phosphorus and kidney disease - Grocery shopping

Video by kidneyfund/YouTube

Phosphorus Ion

Phosphorus is a mineral that combines with other compounds to form key building blocks as such phospholipids, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the 'energy currency' of metabolism, which powers virtually every activity in which cells are engaged. Phosphorus also helps maintain the body's acid-base balance. Normally only about 1% of total body phosphates are present in the blood. The body maintains the levels of phosphorus compounds in the blood by regulating how much it absorbs from the intestines and how much it excretes via the kidneys.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus and kidney disease - American Kidney Fund

Video by kidneyfund/YouTube

Phosphorus, Kidney Failure

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus, Chronic Alcoholism

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus, Heart Function (EKG)

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus Test and Phosphorus Rich Foods

TheVisualMD

3:34

Phosphorus Intake and Chronic Kidney Disease

UC San Diego Health/YouTube

4:27

Phosphorus and kidney disease - Dining out

kidneyfund/YouTube

4:09

Phosphorus and kidney disease - Grocery shopping

kidneyfund/YouTube

Phosphorus Ion

TheVisualMD

2:54

Phosphorus and kidney disease - American Kidney Fund

kidneyfund/YouTube

How Much Do I Need?

Timeline - Aging throughout a lifetime

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors/Pixabay

How Much Phosphorus Do I Need?

How much phosphorus you need depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts are listed below in milligrams (mg).

Life Stage	Recommended Amount
Birth to 6 months	100 mg
Infants 7–12 months	275 mg
Children 1–3 years	460 mg
Children 4–8 years	500 mg
Children 9–13 years	1,250 mg
Teens 14–18 years	1,250 mg
Pregnant and breastfeeding teens	1,250 mg
Adults 19 years and older	700 mg
Pregnant and breastfeeding women	700 mg

Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)

Phosphorus Testing

Phosphate Blood Test

Also called: Phosphate Blood Levels, Phosphorus, PO4

A phosphate in blood test measures the level of phosphate in your blood. Phosphate blood levels that are too high or too low can be a sign of kidney disease or other serious health problems.

Phosphate Blood Test

Also called: Phosphate Blood Levels, Phosphorus, PO4

A phosphate in blood test measures the level of phosphate in your blood. Phosphate blood levels that are too high or too low can be a sign of kidney disease or other serious health problems.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
mg/dL
1
2.5
4.5
Your result is Normal.
The terms phosphate and phosphorus can mean the same thing in test results. So your results may show phosphorus levels rather than phosphate levels.
Related conditions
A phosphate in blood test measures the amount of phosphate in a sample of your blood. Phosphate contains the mineral phosphorus. So, a phosphate test is sometimes called a phosphorus test.
Phosphate is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals. They help control the amount of fluid and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. Your body also needs phosphates for many other important processes, such as:
- Building strong bones and teeth. Most of the phosphate in your body is found in your bones where it is combined with the mineral calcium.
- Making energy.
- Helping your nerves and muscles work properly.
The phosphorus in phosphate comes from the foods you eat, including nuts and seeds, dairy products, dried beans, meats, poultry, and eggs. Your body tightly controls the amount of phosphate in your blood mainly through your:
- Kidneys. They filter extra phosphate from your blood and get rid of it through urine (pee). If your phosphate level is low, your kidneys limit the amount lost through urine.
- Intestines. They control how much phosphorous you absorb from the foods you eat.
The amount of phosphate in your blood is also linked to your levels of:
- Calcium. When blood calcium levels increase, phosphate levels decrease. And when calcium levels decrease, phosphate levels increase.
- Vitamin D. It helps your body use phosphate.
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone is made by parathyroid glands in your neck. It helps balance phosphate and calcium levels in your blood.
Abnormal phosphate levels may be a sign of problems with the systems in your body that control phosphate levels. To help understand the cause of abnormal levels, the test is often done with blood tests that measure calcium, vitamin D, and PTH.
Other names: phosphorus test, P, PO4, phosphorus-serum, phosphate, inorganic phosphorus
A phosphate in blood test is often used with other tests to help diagnose and/or monitor:
- Kidney disease, especially chronic kidney disease. High phosphate levels are a common sign that the kidneys aren't working well to get rid of extra phosphate in the blood.
- Bone disorders. High phosphate levels can pull calcium out of bones and weaken them over time.
- Parathyroid disorders. Parathyroid hormones control the balance of phosphate and calcium in the blood. A phosphate test can help show how well the parathyroid glands are working.
A phosphate test may also be used to monitor people who:
- Have diabetes that isn't well controlled
- Have signs of an acid-base imbalance (having too much or too little acid in your blood)
Phosphate levels that are either high or mildly low usually don't cause any symptoms on their own. But you may need a phosphate test with other tests if you:
- Have had an abnormal result on a calcium blood test. A calcium test may be part of a routine exam. Abnormal levels are often linked to abnormal phosphate levels.
- Have symptoms of low calcium levels. High levels of phosphate can lower calcium levels in your blood, which can cause symptoms, such as:
  Nails that break easily, and/or hair that becomes coarse
  Rash and/or itchy skin
  Muscle cramps
  Bone pain
  Seizures
  Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Have symptoms of severely low phosphate levels. This condition can become life-threatening and needs immediate treatment. Symptoms may include:
  Muscle pain and/or weakness
  Bone pain
  Changes in your mental condition, such as feeling confused or very irritable
  Seizures
  Coma
You may also need to have your phosphate levels checked if you have or may have a condition that can cause abnormal phosphate levels, such as:
- Kidney disease
- Malnutrition
- Malabsorption syndrome
- A parathyroid gland disorder
- Using certain medicines
The results of your phosphate test may say "phosphorus levels" or "phosphate levels." These terms mean the same thing. The meaning of your test results depends on your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests.
In general:
A higher than normal phosphate level is called hyperphosphatemia. High levels are linked to many conditions, including:
- Late stages of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. If damaged kidneys can't filter out extra phosphate, it can build up in your blood. If you have a condition that affects your kidneys, eating too much phosphorus-rich food may also lead to high phosphate levels.
- Hypoparathyroidism. With this condition, your parathyroid glands don't make enough parathyroid hormone (PTH). When PTH is low, calcium levels are low and phosphate levels are high.
- Acidosis. This means having too much acid in your blood from a pH imbalance. It may be caused by a lung disorder or other health conditions, including kidney disease.
- Long-term use of certain medicines. These include steroids, laxatives, and enemas that contain phosphate.
A lower than normal phosphate level is called hypophosphatemia. Mildly low levels often aren't a health problem. But many conditions that cause low levels may need treatment, including:
- Hyperparathyroidism. With this condition, your parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone, which leads to high levels of blood calcium and low levels of phosphate.
- Vitamin D deficiency. A lack of this vitamin can lead to osteomalacia, a condition that causes soft bones. In children, this condition is called rickets.
- Getting too little phosphorus from food. This is uncommon in the U.S. But some people are more likely to have trouble getting enough phosphorus, including:
  Premature babies
  People who have certain rare genetic disorders, severe malnutrition, alcohol use disorder, or problems absorbing nutrients
- Long-term use of certain medicines. These include antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate and certain prescription diuretics ("water pills").
If your phosphate levels are not normal, it doesn't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Also, children often have higher phosphate levels because their bones are still growing. If you have questions about your results, talk with your provider.
1. https://www.labcorp.com/test-menu/33136/phosphorus [accessed on Sep 07, 2019]
2. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8408 [accessed on Sep 07, 2019]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (11)

Phosphorus Test and Phosphorus Rich Foods

Phosphorus Test and Phosphorus Rich Foods : The phosphorus test is used to monitor the levels of phosphorus in the blood. Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. A wide variety of foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, dairy, beans, peas, nuts, and grains contain significant amounts of phosphorus. Plant-based sources of phosphorus, however, are less available to the body because we lack digestive enzymes to fully utilize them.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus: Tooth

Along with calcium, phosphorus is an important building block of teeth.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus: Heart Function

Phosphorus assists in the contraction of muscles, nerve conduction and the regulation of heartbeat. Using phosphorus supplements along with potassium supplements may elevate potassium levels, which can result in life-threatening arrhythmias.

Image by TheVisualMD

Fluid & Electrolytes: Phosphate

Video by EmpoweRN/YouTube

Plate of High Phosphorus Food

Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. A wide variety of foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, dairy, beans, peas, nuts, and grains contain significant amounts of phosphorus. Plant-based sources of phosphorus, however, are less available to the body because we lack digestive enzymes to fully utilize them.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus Ion

Phosphorus is an essential mineral, required by every cell in the body for normal function. It helps filter kidney waste; plays a critical role in energy storage and use; helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues, and cells; and is involved in the production of DNA and RNA. Phosphorus aids in the balance and use of many vitamins and minerals. It works closely with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus is found in milk, grains, and protein-rich foods.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphate

Space filling model of Phosphate

Image by Benjah-bmm27

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD Deficiency) - English

Video by familyhealthservice/YouTube

Phosphorus, Chronic Alcoholism

Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. About 80% of phosphorus resides in the bones and teeth. Because alcohol can leach phosphorus from the bones, phosphorus deficiency is often associated with alcoholism, especially when combined with malnutrition.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus, Kidney Failure

Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. Higher-than-normal levels of phosphorus are often caused by kidney disease or a diet that has too much phosphorus and too little calcium; a fine balance must be maintained between dietary calcium and phosphorus for optimum bone density.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus, Heart Function (EKG)

Most of the body's phosphorus is in a form combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth, but it is also found in muscle, nerve tissue, and, in tiny but crucial amounts, within cells throughout the body, where it is a component of key molecules such as DNA. Phosphorus assists in the contraction of muscles, nerve conduction and the regulation of heartbeat. Using phosphorus supplements along with potassium supplements may elevate potassium levels, which can result in life-threatening arrhythmias.

Image by TheVisualMD

Phosphorus Test and Phosphorus Rich Foods

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus: Tooth

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus: Heart Function

TheVisualMD

6:36

Fluid & Electrolytes: Phosphate

EmpoweRN/YouTube

Plate of High Phosphorus Food

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus Ion

TheVisualMD

Phosphate

Benjah-bmm27

19:27

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD Deficiency) - English

familyhealthservice/YouTube

Phosphorus, Chronic Alcoholism

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus, Kidney Failure

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus, Heart Function (EKG)

TheVisualMD

Can It Be Harmful?

Phosphorus Ion

Image by TheVisualMD

Can Phosphorus Be Harmful?

High phosphorus intakes seldom cause problems in healthy people. But you shouldn’t get more phosphorus than the upper limits from food, beverages, and dietary supplements unless your healthcare provider recommends doing this.

The daily upper limits for phosphorus include intakes from all sources—food, beverages, and supplements—and are listed below in milligrams (mg).

Ages	Upper Limit
Birth to 6 months	Not established
Infants 7–12 months	Not established
Children 1–3 years	3,000 mg
Children 4–8 years	3,000 mg
Children 9–13 years	4,000 mg
Teens 14–18 years	4,000 mg
Adults 19–70 years	4,000 mg
Adults 71+ years	3,000 mg
Pregnant teens and adults	3,500 mg
Breastfeeding teens and adults	4,000 mg

Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)

Additional Materials (2)

Phosphorus Ion

TheVisualMD

Phosphorus Ion

TheVisualMD

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