What is the importance of phosphorus in the human body. How does phosphorus contribute to bone health. Why is the balance between calcium and phosphorus crucial. What are the potential risks of phosphorus deficiency and excess. How can one maintain optimal phosphorus levels through diet.

The Crucial Role of Phosphorus in the Human Body

Phosphorus, the second most abundant mineral in the human body after calcium, plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions. Approximately 85% of the body’s phosphorus is found in bones and teeth, contributing significantly to their strength and structure. However, the importance of this mineral extends far beyond skeletal health.

Phosphorus is present in smaller amounts throughout the body’s cells and tissues, where it performs essential functions. It aids in filtering waste through the kidneys, plays a crucial role in energy storage and utilization, and helps alleviate muscle pain following physical exertion. Furthermore, phosphorus is indispensable for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells, as well as the production of genetic building blocks like DNA and RNA.

Balancing Act: Phosphorus and Other Nutrients

One of the lesser-known but equally important functions of phosphorus is its role in balancing and utilizing other vital nutrients. It works in conjunction with vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc, ensuring their optimal absorption and function within the body. This intricate interplay of nutrients underscores the importance of maintaining proper phosphorus levels for overall health and well-being.

Dietary Sources of Phosphorus: Ensuring Adequate Intake

For most individuals, obtaining sufficient phosphorus through diet is relatively easy. The mineral is abundant in a variety of common foods, particularly those rich in protein. Some excellent dietary sources of phosphorus include:

• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Eggs and dairy products
• Nuts and legumes
• Whole grains
• Hard potatoes
• Dried fruit
• Garlic cloves
• Carbonated beverages

Given the wide array of phosphorus-rich foods available, most people can easily meet their daily requirements through a balanced diet. However, certain health conditions and lifestyle factors may affect phosphorus absorption and utilization, potentially leading to deficiencies.

Phosphorus Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Consequences

While phosphorus deficiency is relatively rare due to its widespread availability in food, certain factors can contribute to low phosphorus levels in the body. These include:

• Diabetes
• Malnutrition or starvation
• Alcoholism
• Conditions affecting nutrient absorption (e.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
• Certain medications (e.g., some antacids and diuretics)

Recognizing the symptoms of phosphorus deficiency is crucial for early intervention. Common signs include:

• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety
• Bone pain and fragility
• Stiff joints
• Fatigue
• Irregular breathing
• Irritability
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Weight changes

In children, phosphorus deficiency can have particularly severe consequences, potentially leading to decreased growth and poor bone and tooth development. These effects highlight the critical role of phosphorus in supporting proper growth and development during childhood and adolescence.

The Delicate Balance: Calcium and Phosphorus Interplay

While phosphorus deficiency is a concern, it’s important to note that having too much phosphorus in the body is actually more common and potentially more problematic. The relationship between calcium and phosphorus is delicate and crucial for maintaining optimal health, particularly in terms of bone density and the prevention of osteoporosis.

As phosphorus intake increases, so does the body’s demand for calcium. This intricate balance is essential for proper bone mineralization and overall skeletal health. When phosphorus levels are too high relative to calcium, it can lead to a range of health issues, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as suggested by several studies.

Maintaining the Calcium-Phosphorus Equilibrium

To maintain the proper balance between calcium and phosphorus, it’s essential to ensure adequate intake of both minerals through a well-balanced diet. This may involve consuming calcium-rich foods alongside phosphorus sources or, in some cases, supplementation under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Clinical Uses of Phosphates in Medicine

In clinical settings, phosphates (compounds containing phosphorus) are used to treat various conditions related to mineral imbalances. Some of the primary medical applications of phosphates include:

1. Treatment of hypophosphatemia (low blood phosphorus levels)
2. Management of hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels)
3. Prevention and treatment of calcium-based kidney stones

It’s important to note that these conditions require professional medical care and should not be self-treated. Additionally, phosphates are sometimes used in enemas as laxatives, but this should only be done under medical supervision.

Phosphorus Supplements in Athletics

Some athletes use phosphate supplements before competitions or intense workouts in an attempt to reduce muscle pain and fatigue. However, the effectiveness of this practice remains uncertain, and more research is needed to establish its impact on athletic performance.

Forms of Phosphorus: From Elemental to Inorganic Compounds

Elemental phosphorus, a white or yellow waxy substance that ignites upon contact with air, is highly toxic and is rarely used in conventional medicine. Its application is limited to homeopathic treatments, and it should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified professional.

In medical settings, healthcare providers typically use inorganic phosphates, which are non-toxic at standard doses. These compounds include:

• Dibasic potassium phosphate
• Monobasic potassium phosphate
• Dibasic sodium phosphate
• Monobasic sodium phosphate

These inorganic phosphates are safer alternatives to elemental phosphorus and are used in various medical applications to address phosphorus deficiencies or imbalances.

Phosphorus Excess: A Growing Concern in Modern Diets

While phosphorus deficiency is relatively rare, an excess of this mineral is becoming increasingly common and is a cause for concern among health professionals. The primary reasons for phosphorus excess include:

1. Kidney disease, which impairs the body’s ability to regulate phosphorus levels
2. Excessive dietary intake of phosphorus
3. Insufficient dietary calcium intake relative to phosphorus consumption

High phosphorus levels can have serious health implications, particularly for cardiovascular health. Several studies have suggested a link between elevated phosphorus intake and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, underscoring the importance of maintaining balanced phosphorus levels through diet and, when necessary, medical intervention.

Hidden Sources of Phosphorus in Modern Diets

One challenge in managing phosphorus intake is the prevalence of phosphorus-containing additives in processed foods. These additives, often used as preservatives or to enhance flavor and texture, can significantly increase the phosphorus content of foods without being immediately apparent to consumers. Some common sources of hidden phosphorus include:

• Processed meats and cheeses
• Baked goods
• Soft drinks
• Fast food
• Convenience meals

Being aware of these hidden sources can help individuals better manage their phosphorus intake, particularly those with kidney disease or other conditions that require careful monitoring of phosphorus levels.

Strategies for Maintaining Optimal Phosphorus Levels

Given the importance of phosphorus in bodily functions and the potential risks associated with both deficiency and excess, maintaining optimal phosphorus levels is crucial for overall health. Here are some strategies to help achieve and maintain a healthy phosphorus balance:

1. Consume a balanced diet rich in whole foods
2. Be mindful of processed food intake, which may contain hidden phosphorus additives
3. Ensure adequate calcium intake to balance phosphorus levels
4. Stay hydrated to support kidney function and phosphorus regulation
5. Monitor phosphorus intake if you have kidney disease or other relevant health conditions
6. Consult with a healthcare professional before using phosphorus supplements
7. Be aware of medications that may affect phosphorus levels

By implementing these strategies and maintaining awareness of phosphorus intake, individuals can help ensure that their bodies maintain the delicate balance necessary for optimal health and well-being.

The Future of Phosphorus Research and Management

As our understanding of phosphorus’s role in human health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for managing phosphorus levels and mitigating the risks associated with imbalances. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of more effective phosphate binders for individuals with kidney disease
• Investigation of the long-term effects of high phosphorus intake on cardiovascular health
• Exploration of novel dietary strategies to optimize calcium-phosphorus balance
• Study of the impact of phosphorus on other aspects of health, such as cognitive function and immune response

These ongoing research efforts promise to enhance our ability to manage phosphorus levels effectively and may lead to new strategies for preventing and treating phosphorus-related health issues in the future.

Phosphorus Information | Mount Sinai

Next to calcium, phosphorus is the most abundant mineral in the body. These 2 important nutrients work closely together to build strong bones and teeth. About 85% of the body’s phosphorus is in bones and teeth. Phosphorous is also present in smaller amounts in cells and tissues throughout the body. Phosphorus helps filter out waste in the kidneys and plays an essential role in how the body stores and uses energy. It also helps reduce muscle pain after a workout. Phosphorus is needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells, and for the production of the genetic building blocks, DNA and RNA. Phosphorus is also needed to help balance and use other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc.

Most people get plenty of phosphorus in their diets. The mineral is found in milk, grains, and protein-rich foods. Some health conditions, such as diabetes, starvation, and alcoholism can cause levels of phosphorus in the body to fall. The same is true of conditions that make it hard for people to absorb nutrients, such as Crohn disease and celiac disease. Some medications can cause phosphorus levels to drop, including some antacids and diuretics (water pills). Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include loss of appetite, anxiety, bone pain, fragile bones, stiff joints, fatigue, irregular breathing, irritability, numbness, weakness, and weight change. In children, decreased growth and poor bone and tooth development may occur.

Having too much phosphorus in the body is actually more common and more worrisome than having too little. Too much phosphorus is generally caused by kidney disease or by consuming too much dietary phosphorus and not enough dietary calcium. Several studies suggest that higher intakes of phosphorus are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. As the amount of phosphorus you eat rises, so does the need for calcium. The delicate balance between calcium and phosphorus is necessary for proper bone density and prevention of osteoporosis.

Uses

Phosphates (phosphorus) are used clinically to treat the following:

• Hypophosphatemia, low levels of phosphorus in the body
• Hypercalcemia, high blood calcium levels
• Calcium-based kidney stones

These conditions require a doctor’s care.

Phosphates are also used in enemas as laxatives. Most people get plenty of phosphorus in their diets. Sometimes athletes use phosphate supplements before competitions or heavy workouts to help reduce muscle pain and fatigue, although it is not clear how much it helps or if it improves performance.

Dietary Sources

Protein-rich foods are good sources of phosphorus, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and legumes. Other good sources include whole grains, hard potatoes, dried fruit, garlic cloves, and carbonated beverages.

Available Forms

Elemental phosphorus is a white or yellow, waxy substance that burns on contact with air. It is highly toxic and is only used in medicine as a homeopathic treatment. You should only take elemental phosphorus under the guidance of a qualified professional. Instead, health care providers may use one or more of the following inorganic phosphates, which are not toxic at typical doses:

• Dibasic potassium phosphate
• Monobasic potassium phosphate
• Dibasic sodium phosphate
• Monobasic sodium phosphate
• Tribasic sodium phosphate
• Phosphatidyl choline
• Phosphatidyl serine

How to Take It

Most people do not need to take phosphorus supplements. Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for dietary phosphorous are as follows:

Pediatric

• Infants, 0 to 6 months: 100 mg daily
• Infants, 7 to 12 months: 275 mg
• Children, 1 to 3 years: 460 mg
• Children, 4 to 8 years: 500 mg
• Children, 9 to 18 years: 1,250 mg

Adult

• Adults, 19 years and older: 700 mg
• Pregnant and breastfeeding females under 18 years: 1,250 mg
• Pregnant and breastfeeding females, 19 years and older: 700 mg

Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with prescription and non-prescription medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Too much phosphate can be toxic. It can cause diarrhea and calcification (hardening) of organs and soft tissue, and can interfere with the body’s ability to use iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Athletes and others taking supplements that contain phosphate should only do so occasionally and with the guidance and direction of a health care provider.

Nutritionists recommend a balance of calcium and phosphorus in the diet. The typical Western diet, however, contains roughly 2 to 4 times more phosphorus than calcium. Meat and poultry contain 10 to 20 times as much phosphorus as calcium, and carbonated beverages can have as much as 500 mg of phosphorus in one serving. When there is more phosphorus than calcium in the body, the body will use calcium stored in bones. This can cause osteoporosis (brittle bones) and lead to gum and teeth problems. A balance of dietary calcium and phosphorus can lower the risk of osteoporosis.

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use phosphorus preparations without first talking with your doctor.

Alcohol: Alcohol may leach phosphorus from the bones and cause low levels in the body.

Antacids: Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (such as Mylanta, Amphojel, Maalox, Riopan, and Alternagel) can bind phosphate in the gut and prevent the body from absorbing it. Using these antacids long term can cause low phosphate levels (hypophosphatemia).

Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsants (including phenobarbital and carbamazepine, or Tegretol) may lower phosphorus levels and increase levels of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme that helps remove phosphate from the body.

Bile acid sequestrants: These drugs lower cholesterol. They can decrease the oral absorption of phosphates from the diet or from supplements. Oral phosphate supplements should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after these drugs. Bile acid sequestrants include:

• Cholestyramine (Questran)
• Colestipol (Colestid)

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, including prednisone or methylprednisolone (Medrol), may increase phosphorus levels in the urine.

Insulin: High doses of insulin may lower blood levels of phosphorus in people with diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition caused by severe insulin insufficiency.

Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics: Using phosphorus supplements along with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics may result in too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). Hyperkalemia can be a serious problem, resulting in life threatening heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias). Potassium-sparing diuretics include:

• Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• Triamterene (Dyrenium)

ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medication): Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure, may lower phosphorus levels. These include:

• Benazepril (Lotensin)
• Captopril (Capoten)
• Enalapril (Vasotec)
• Fosinopril (Monopril)
• Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil)
• Quinapril (Accupril)
• Ramipril (Altace)

Other drugs: Other drugs may lower phosphorus levels. They include cyclosporine (used to suppress the immune system), cardiac glycosides (digoxin or Lanoxin), heparins (blood thinning drugs), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or Advil). Salt substitutes contain high levels of potassium and may lower phosphorus levels if used long term.

Supporting Research

Carrasco R, Lovell DJ, Giannini EH, Henderson CJ, Huang B, Kramer S, et al. Biochemical markers of bone turnover associated with calcium supplementation in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Dec;58(12):3932-40.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Rockville, MD: US Dept of Health and Human Services and US Dept of Agriculture; 2005.

Elliott P, Kesteloot H, Appel LJ, Dyer AR, Ueshima H, Chan Q, Brown IJ, Zhao L, Stamler J; INTERMAP Cooperative Research Group. Dietary phosphorus and blood pressure: international study of macro- and micro-nutrients and blood pressure. Hypertension. 2008 Mar;51(3):669-75. Erratum in: Hypertension. 2008 Apr;51(4):e32.

Goldman. Goldman’s Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011.

Heaney RP, Nordin BE. Calcium effects on phosphorus absorption: implications for the prevention and co-therapy of osteoporosis. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(3):239-244.

Kastenberg D, Chasen R, Choudhary C, et al. Efficacy and safety of sodium phosphate tablets compared with PEG solution in colon cleansing: two identically designed, randomized, controlled, parallel group, multicenter phase III trials. Gastrointest Endosc. 2001;54(6):705-713.

Matsumura M, Nakashima A, Tofuku Y. Electrolyte disorders following massive insulin overdose in a patient with type 2 diabetes. Intern Med. 2000;39(2):55-57.

Noori N, Sims JJ, Kopple JD, Shah A, Colman S, Shinaberger CS, Bross R, Mehrotra R, Kovesdy CP, Kalantar-Zadeh K. Organic and inorganic dietary phosphorus and its management in chronic kidney disease. Iran J Kidney Dis. 2010;4(2):89-100.

Pinheiro MM, Schuch NJ, Genaro PS, Ciconelli RM, Ferraz MB, Martini LA. Nutrient intakes related to osteoporotic fractures in men and women–the Brazilian Osteoporosis Study (BRAZOS). Nutr J. 2009 Jan 29;8:6.

Sherman RA, Mehta O. Dietary phosphorus restriction in dialysis patients: potential impact of processed meat, poultry, and fish products as protein sources. Am J Kidney Dis. 2009;54(1):18-23.

Sim J, Bhandari S, Smith N, et al. Phosphorus and risk of renal failure in subjects with normal renal function. Am J Med. 2013;126(4):311-8.

Shuto E, Taketani Y, Tanaka R, Harada N, Isshiki M, Sato M, Nashiki K, Amo K, Yamamoto H, Higashi Y, Nakaya Y, Takeda E. Dietary phosphorus acutely impairs endothelial function. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009;20(7):1504-12.

Smirnov AV, Volkov MM, Dobronravov VA, Rafrafi H. Phosphorus and calcium metabolism and the cardiovascular system status in patients with early stage chronic renal disease. Ter Arkh. 2010;82(6):25-8.

Takeda E, Yamamoto H, Yamanaka-Okumura H, Taketani Y. Dietary phosphorus in bone health and quality of life. Nutr Rev. 2012;70(6):311-21.

van Kuijk JP, Flu WJ, Chonchol M, Valentijn TM, Verhagen HJ, Bax JJ, Poldermans D. Elevated preoperative phosphorus levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Am J Nephrol. 2010;32(2):163-8.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Phosphorus is an essential mineral found in many foods. In the diet and body, phosphorus usually binds to other minerals in the form of phosphate salts.

Phosphates are involved in cell structure, energy transport and storage, vitamin function, and many other essential processes in the body. Phosphate salts can act as laxatives by causing more fluid to be drawn into the intestines and making the gut push out its contents faster.

People use phosphate salts for bowel cleansing, low blood levels of phosphate, constipation, high blood levels of calcium, and heartburn. They are also used for athletic performance, osteoporosis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

• Emptying the colon before a colonoscopy. Taking sodium phosphate products by mouth before a colonoscopy is effective for bowel cleansing. Some sodium phosphate products are approved by the US FDA for this use. But taking sodium phosphate can increase the risk of kidney damage in some people and should be used with caution.
• Low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia). Taking sodium or potassium phosphate by mouth or by IV is effective for preventing or treating low phosphate levels in the blood. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

Likely Effective for

• Constipation. Sodium phosphate is an FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) ingredient for treating constipation. OTC products are taken by mouth or used as enemas.
• Indigestion (dyspepsia). Aluminum phosphate and calcium phosphate are FDA-approved ingredients in OTC antacids.
• High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). Taking phosphate salts by mouth is likely effective for treating high levels of calcium in the blood. But calcium phosphate should not be used since it contains calcium and can increase calcium levels.

Possibly Effective for

• Kidney stones. Taking potassium phosphate by mouth can help prevent calcium kidney stones from forming in people with high urine levels of calcium.

There is interest in using phosphate salts for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Phosphate salts are likely safe when consumed in the diet, or when supplements are used appropriately for a short time. Phosphate salts might cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, and others.

Phosphate salts (as phosphorous) are possibly unsafe when taken in doses higher than 4 grams daily for adults 70 years and younger, or in doses higher than 3 grams daily for people over 70 years. Regular long-term use can upset the balance of phosphates and other chemicals in the body and should be monitored by a healthcare professional to avoid serious side effects.

When given as an enema (rectally): Phosphate salts are likely safe for most people when inserted into the rectum appropriately and short-term. But these products shouldn’t be used more than once daily.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Phosphate salts are likely safe when consumed in the diet, or when supplements are used appropriately for a short time. Phosphate salts might cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, and others.

Phosphate salts (as phosphorous) are possibly unsafe when taken in doses higher than 4 grams daily for adults 70 years and younger, or in doses higher than 3 grams daily for people over 70 years. Regular long-term use can upset the balance of phosphates and other chemicals in the body and should be monitored by a healthcare professional to avoid serious side effects.

When given as an enema (rectally): Phosphate salts are likely safe for most people when inserted into the rectum appropriately and short-term. But these products shouldn’t be used more than once daily.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Phosphate salts are commonly consumed in the diet. Phosphate salts are possibly unsafe when taken in amounts above the tolerable upper intake level (UL). The UL is 3.5 grams daily during pregnancy and 4 grams daily while breast-feeding.

Children: Phosphate salts are commonly consumed in the diet. Phosphate salts are possibly unsafe when taken in amounts that exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL). The UL is 3 grams daily for children 1-8 years old and 4 grams daily for children 9 years and older.

Giving a sodium phosphate enema to children OVER 2 years of age is likely safe when no more than one dose is given every 24 hours. But it is likely unsafe to give more than one dose every 24 hours, or to give a sodium phosphate enema to children who are under 2 years of age.

Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions:: Sodium phosphate can cause damage to the intestines in some people. If you have an obstruction or have an inflammatory GI condition, avoid using sodium phosphate.

High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia):: Use phosphate salts cautiously if you have hypercalcemia. Too much phosphate could cause calcium to be deposited where it shouldn’t be in your body.

High levels of phosphate in the blood: People with Addison’s disease, severe heart and lung disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, or liver disease are more likely to have too much phosphate in their blood when they take phosphate salts. Use phosphate salts only while under the care of a healthcare professional if you have one of these conditions.

Kidney disease: Use phosphate salts only while under the care of a healthcare professional if you have kidney problems.

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

• Erdafitinib increases the amount of phosphate in the blood. Taking phosphate salts along with erdafitinib can cause very high phosphate levels and serious side effects. Avoid phosphates when using erdafitinib.

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Bisphosphonate medications and phosphate salts can both lower calcium levels in the body. Taking large amounts of phosphate salts along with bisphosphonate medications might cause calcium levels to become too low.

Dosing

Phosphate (as phosphorus) is found in many foods, including meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Phosphate deficiencies are rare. The amount that should be consumed on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). For adults, the RDA is 700 mg. While pregnant or breast-feeding, the RDA is 1250 mg for those 14-18 years of age and 700 mg for those over 18 years of age. In children, the RDA depends on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Active phosphorus – instructions, composition, analogues, indications, dosage, contraindications, side effects, price , also contains auxiliary components – vitamins A and D, manganese.

Indications

Designed as an additional dietary supplement for the most complete formation of the bone skeleton and teeth. It is an indispensable condition for the formation of enzymes, which allows cells to function normally, causes contraction of the heart muscle (myocardium), kidney function. Promotes the absorption of vitamins, converting food into energy that nourishes the cells and muscles of the body. It is used for delayed mineralization of the bones of the body, childhood rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis.

Phosphorus preparations are an important element of the composition, included in protein cells, nucleic acids, bone tissue, indispensable in metabolic processes that contribute to the process of respiration. It has a positive effect on libido, actively participates in metabolic reactions, including the formation of nucleoprotein acids responsible for cell division and procreation. It is an important component in carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. It is part of lecithin, thanks to which the body forms brain cells and cell membranes. It also serves to maintain a harmonious balance of acids and alkalis in the body, helps the formation of active forms of vitamins.

Phosphorus deficiency causes arthritis, therefore its additional intake of phosphorus elements contributes to the fight against this disease. Also, the lack of this element causes a weakening of brain activity, the appearance of depression.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to its constituent drugs – vitamins A, D, as well as to calcium hydrophosphate.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

There is no data on its safety in this period of a woman’s life.

Dosage and Administration

Used orally. Therapy is carried out in courses, for 1-2 months of admission, up to 2-3 times a year. Adults take in an amount of 1 to 3 tablets at a time. For better absorption, it is recommended to take it either during or immediately after a meal.

Overdose

An excess of phosphorus can cause dyspepsia. With prolonged excessive use of this drug, there may be a problem with the work of the intestines, kidney stones may form, and the number of leukocytes in the blood may decrease. An excess of phosphorus can also cause the phenomenon of its replacement of calcium in the bones, which can lead to the opposite effect of what is desired – osteoporosis. It can also cause small hemorrhages on the skin.

In case of a single overdose, you should wash the stomach, take sorbents. With the manifestation of systemic problems associated with taking phosphorus preparations, therapy with this drug should be discontinued.

Side effects

No side effects reported by the manufacturer.

Conditions and terms of storage

Shelf life of the drug – no more than 2 years at temperatures up to 25°C.

Phosphorus in serum

Phosphorus is a vital trace element for humans, which is the main component of all body cells. It is involved in most metabolic processes of the body and is necessary for the formation of tissues (especially nervous and bone).

Russian synonyms

Inorganic phosphorus.

Synonyms English

Inorganic Phosphate, Phosphorus, Serum P, PO ₄ , Phosphate.

Test method

Ammonium molybdate colorimetry.

Units

mmol/l (millimoles per litre).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous, capillary blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the test, you can drink pure non-carbonated water.

General information about the study

Phosphorus is a mineral found in the body in the form of organic and inorganic compounds. The terms ‘phosphorus’ and ‘phosphate’ are used interchangeably when referring to checking the levels of a substance in the body, but keep in mind that the amount of inorganic phosphate is being counted.

Phosphorus is needed by the body for energy production, muscle and nervous function, and bone growth. Phosphates, being a kind of buffer, play an important role in maintaining the acid-base balance.

Phosphorus enters the body with food. As part of many foods, it is quickly absorbed in the small intestine. About 70-80% of phosphorus in the body is associated with calcium, forming the framework of bones and teeth, 10% is in the muscles and about 1% in the nervous tissue. The rest is contained in all cells of the body as a store of energy. Normally, about 1% of all phosphorus is in the blood. Many foods (beans, peas, nuts, cereals, vegetable oils, eggs, beef, chicken, fish) contain significant amounts of phosphate. A stable concentration of phosphorus is maintained by the regulation of absorption in the intestine and excretion in the kidneys. In addition, the level of phosphates depends on the amount of parathyroid hormone, calcium and vitamin D.

Phosphorus deficiency (hypophosphatemia) is caused by acid-base balance disorders, malnutrition, malabsorption, hypercalcemia and disturbances affecting the excretion processes in the kidneys. The cause of excess phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia) may be excessive intake of the mineral from food, hypocalcemia and kidney damage.

People with moderate deficiency of this mineral may not show symptoms of deficiency. A severe lack of phosphorus is indicated by muscle weakness and confusion. Interestingly, the signs of excess phosphorus are similar to the symptoms of calcium deficiency: muscle cramps, numbness, loss of consciousness.

Phosphorus and calcium metabolism are closely interrelated: with a decrease in calcium concentration, the level of phosphorus rises, an increased concentration of one electrolyte in plasma leads to increased excretion by the kidneys with urine of another. Many factors that increase calcium levels decrease phosphorus levels.

What is research used for?

For the diagnosis of various pathological conditions that cause disorders of phosphorus-calcium metabolism, and monitoring their treatment (together with checking the level of calcium, parathyroid hormone and / or vitamin D).

When is the test ordered?

• As an additional test for hypo- or hypercalcemia (because moderate deficiency or excess of phosphorus may not be manifested).
• For symptoms of kidney and/or gastrointestinal disease.
• Regularly, when pathological conditions are already diagnosed that cause significant changes in the level of phosphorus and / or calcium (to monitor the effectiveness of their treatment).
• In case of diabetes mellitus or signs of acid-base imbalance.

What do the results mean?

Reference values ​​

Low phosphorus levels can be caused by:

• diuretic overdose (uncontrolled loss of phosphate in the urine),
• insufficient intake of phosphorus with food,
• alcoholism (most often there is also enzyme deficiency, malnutrition and absorption),
• burn disease (respectively, imbalance of many types of metabolism and excessive loss of electrolytes and fluid from the affected surface),
• diabetic ketoacidosis (due to increased carbohydrate metabolism),
• hyper- or hypothyroidism,
• hypokalemia,
• chronic use of antacids,
• rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults),
• hyperinsulinism (insulin is involved in the transport of glucose into cells, which is impossible without phosphates),
• liver diseases,
• septicemia,
• severe vomiting and/or diarrhea.

High phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) are most commonly associated with impaired renal function and uremia. It can be caused by:

• renal failure, any severe nephritis (with elevated creatinine and urea levels),
• hypoparathyroidism,
• osteosarcomas, bone metastases and multiple myeloma,
• diabetic ketoacidosis,
• overdose of phosphorus-containing drugs,
• fractures in the healing stage,
• vitamin D overdose,
• Addison’s disease (insufficient production of adrenal hormones),
• acromegaly.

What can influence the result?

• Eating before blood donation may falsely lower phosphorus levels.
• The level of phosphorus in the blood taken in the evening will be higher than the result from the morning sample (due to diurnal fluctuations in the concentration of the mineral).
• Hemodialysis reduces phosphorus levels.
• Medicines that increase phosphorus levels: anabolic steroids, androgens, beta-adrenergic blockers, ethanol, ergocalciferol, furosemide, growth hormone, hypothiazide, phosphorus-containing drugs, vitamin D, tetracycline, methicillin, injectable contraceptives.
• Phosphorus-lowering drugs: diacarb, aluminum antacids, amino acids, anesthetics, calcitonin, carbamazepine, adrenaline, estrogens, glucocorticoids, insulin, isoniazid, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, sucralfate, mannitol.

Important Notes

• Constantly high levels of phosphorus are dangerous for organ damage due to calcification (calcium phosphate deposits in tissues).
• Normally, phosphorus concentrations are higher in children than in adults. This is due to increased secretion of growth hormone until puberty.
• After taking laxatives containing sodium phosphate, the level of phosphorus increases after 2-3 hours. Although the rise is temporary (for 5-6 hours), this factor should be taken into account if it is impossible to explain the reason for the increase in the concentration of phosphorus by anything else.
• Vitamin D overdose, as well as intravenous glucose, can affect blood and urinary phosphorus levels (phosphates help move glucose into cells).