Phosphorus

Phosphorus

What is it?

• Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body. Majority is stored in the bones and teeth.

How does it work in the body?

• Phosphorus works together with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. It also aids in filtering waste in the kidneys and is essential to produce DNA and RNA [136].

What is it used for?

• Phosphorus supplementation can be beneficial to treat hypophosphatemia, osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, and possibly lower blood pressure.

Evidence:

• Osteoporosis and hypercalcemia: A study evaluated the relationship of calcium and phosphorus and its prevention of osteoporosis. If calcium intake increases, it is important to also increase phosphorus intake. If calcium levels are higher than phosphorus, there can be a decrease in phosphorus absorption. When treating osteoporosis, it is important to take calcium and phosphorus in conjunction with one another.

• Blood pressure: Research has found that sodium restriction is not the only way to help treat hypertension. In other words, managing other minerals is just as important in the treatment of hypertension. The International Study of Macro- and Micro Nutrients on blood pressure published in 2008, the results showed possible lower blood pressure in those with increased phosphorus intake. However, it is important to remember that this difference may be due to the fact that those with higher phosphorus intakes follow a healthier diet and have increased mineral intake from whole foods [138].

Dosage:

• The RDA for adults >19 years is 700 mg.

Safety concerns/side effects/precautions:

• Too much phosphorus can cause diarrhea and calcification of organs and soft tissue. This can interfere with the body's ability to use iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

• If there are higher phosphorus levels than calcium in the body, the body will use calcium stored in the bones. This can lead to osteoporosis and gum/teeth problems.

• Phosphorus should be checked in alcoholics or those who frequently drink alcohol. Alcohol can drain phosphorus from the bones and lead to hypophosphatemia.

Interactions with medications:

• A number of medications may decrease the amount of phosphorus in the body and therefore supplementation would be considered. Medications that may lower phosphorus in the body include antacids, anticonvulsants, bile acid sequestrants, high doses of insulin, ACE inhibitors, cyclosporine, cardiac glycosides, heparin, and NSAIDs.

• Supplementing phosphorus while taking potassium supplements or medications that increase potassium (i.e., potassium sparing diuretics) could lead to hyperkalemia.