General Description
Phosphorus is a nonmetallic mineral essential in the human diet.
As a constituent of phosphate, phosphorus plays an important role
in virtually all cellular metabolic activities. Phosphate is required
for the formation of phospholipids, which are key structural components
of cell membranes. It is also essential for the production of ATP
(adenosine triphosphate) the chief energy storage material for all
cells. Phosphates are needed for fat, carbohydrate, and protein
metabolism, muscle contraction, hormone production, protein synthesis,
brain and nerve function, and for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
80 to 90 percent of the body's phosphorus is found in the bones
and teeth, in the form of calcium phosphate. Other important phosphate
compounds in the body include phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl
serine.
Food sources
Phosphorus is abundant in many different foods such as meat, fish,
poultry, eggs, dairy products, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Health applications
Deficiency symptoms
Because phosphorus is widely distributed in foods, phosphorus
deficiency is extremely rare, occurring primarily in alcoholics,
people taking phosphate-binding antacids, those suffering from
malnutrition, diabetics, and people with liver disease.1-3
Phosphorus depletion has also been observed in cases of hypothermia,
heat stroke, and trauma.4-7 Symptoms of phosphate
deficiency include weakness, bone pain, osteomalacia, anorexia,
cardiovascular disorders, and respiratory difficulty.1,8-14
Dosage/toxicity
The Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for phosphorus is 1,000 mg per
day. Most people get adequate phosphorus from their normal diet.
Because phosphorus competes with other minerals for absorption,
excess phosphorus can lead to deficiencies in calcium and zinc.
Phosphorus supplementation is normally recommended only for people
with clinical deficiency demonstrated by blood mineral tests.
|
