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minerals (nutrition)
phosphorus (P)
Nutrition
definition
Phosphorus:
» overview:
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body after calcium.
80% of our bodily phosphorus resides in calcium phosphate crystals in the bone and teeth.
Serum levels of phosphorus are closely maintained by parathyroid activity.
» chemistry:
Phosphorus is involved with many different reactions in the body, specifically including the Krebs cycle and glycolysis in the oxidative phosphorylation reactions which generate energy molecules in the form of ATP.
» metabolism:
A 1:1 intake ratio between calcium and phosphorus is ideal for the maximum absorption of calcium.
In older children and adults the absorption rate is 50-80%. Infants absorb more than 85% from breast milk and somewhat lower amounts from cows milk. The adult absorption range is between 50-75%.
Most people maintain phosphorus levels in the serum within a very tight range.
Stimulation of adrenals, PTH, cortisone, and estrogen inhibit the function of phosphorus.
» Chinese:
Tonifies the Kidney; nourishes the Yin and the Jin (sinews and tendons); benefits the Jing (Essence); strengthens the Bones; facilitates healing of the Jin (sinews and tendons) and Bones.
» function:
Besides its structural role in the teeth and bony skeleton, phosphorus has numerous functions in the body.
It is an essential component of nucleic acids and phospholipids which are key components in the formation of cell membranes.
Phosphorus is used in the body during glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to synthesize ATP which is the major energy compound used by the body.
Cyclic AMP is another intermediary compound which is a cornerstone for the regulation of many metabolic processes in the body.
Phosphorus is part of some conjugated proteins, such as casein in human milk. It is also part of the phosphate buffering system inside cells.
Works with calcium to maintain proper balance in bone mineralization
» requirements:
Ideally, phosphorus should be ingested at a one to one ratio with calcium. The average intake in the U.S. is around 1600 mg per day. Food additives may contribute as much as 30% of total phosphorus intake per day. Generally, we consume twice as much phosphorus as we really need. Carbonated beverages, which make up as much as 20% of the total phosphorus intake, should be excluded. Vitamin supplements which contain phosphorus should also be excluded.
RDA:
Infants: 240-360 mg per day
Children: 800-1200 mg per day
Adults: 800 mg per day
» food sources:
Meat, poultry, fish and eggs rank at the top of the list.
Best Food Sources of Phosphorous:
Food Amount mg .
Cheese, Swiss 3 oz 650
Cheese, American 3 oz 635
Ham 5 oz 630
Grilled cheese sandwich med 531
Cheese, cheddar 3 oz 445
Macaroni and cheese 1 cup 322
Milkshake, vanilla 10 oz 289
Sole, baked 3 oz 248
Tostada beans and beef 1 med 247
Tofu 1/2 cup 239
Milk, 2% 1 cup 232
Pizza 1 med slice 216
Split pea soup 1 cup 213
Ice milk, soft serve 1 cup 202
Almonds, raw 1/4 cup 184
Oatmeal 1 cup 178
Lentils, cooked 1/2 cup 178
Cheese, cottage 2% 1/2 cup 170
(USDA: Composition of Foods. USDA Handbook # 8. Washington DC, ARS, USDA, 1976-1986)
» deficiency:
Phosphorus is so ubiquitous in our food supply that there is little possibility of it becoming deficient in the diet. Deficiency may occur due to total parenteral nutrition, excess use of antacids (which bind phosphates), hyperparathyroidism, alcoholism or during the treatment of diabetic acidosis.
» therapeutics:
There are a number of supplements containing phosphorus, such as phosphatidyl choline or phosphoserine, that have been used for various treatments. But, unless hypophosphatemia is present, phosphorus, by itself, is rarely indicated for the treatment of anything.
Bone fractures
Mental stress
Cancer
Tooth disorders
» drug-related therapeutics:
Aluminum hydroxide: aluminum binds dietary Phosporous, potentially causing depletion
» dosage:
No therapeutic dosage typically indicated.
» toxicity:
No known toxicity.
Excessive phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption and lead to problems such as osteoporosis or other related conditions related to calcium deficiency.
» contraindications:
None known.
» antagonists:
alcohol
antacids
aspirin
corticosteroids
diuretics
thyroid
» interactions:
None known.
footnotes
Kirschmann and Dunne, pp. 83-84
Marz, Russell. Medical Nutrition From Marz. Second Edition. Portland, OR. 1997.
USDA: Composition of Foods. USDA Handbook #8. Washington DC, ARS, USDA, 1976-1986.