Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Phosphorus?How Much Do you Need?Food SourcesHealth BenefitsDeficiencySafety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Phosphorus?
How Much Do you Need?
Food Sources
Health Benefits
Deficiency
Safety
Phosphorusis an essential mineral that is found in many foods and dietary supplements. It is the second most abundant mineral in the human body and is found in every cell.
Phosphorus has many important roles in the body, especially in the bones and teeth. It also participates in gene regulation, pH balance, and the formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleicacid), RNA (ribonucleicacid), and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the main energy source for cells.
Phosphorylationoccurs when a phosphate group (made up of phosphorus and oxygen atoms) is attached to a molecule, such as a glucose or protein molecule. Phosphorylation is a vital part of many cellular reactions in the body.
This article covers phosphorus and includes recommended intake, food sources, health benefits, deficiency, and safety.
Daniel de la Hoz / Getty Images
Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in your body. It is mostly found in your bones and teeth but is also present in every cell in your body.
Phosphorus andcalcium(another essential mineral) combine to makehydroxyapatite, which is the main structural element of bones as well as tooth enamel. Along with the kidneys, hormones help keep phosphorus in balance in your bones, teeth, and throughout your body.
Aside from bone and tooth formation and health, phosphorus is necessary for several other important functions. The mineral is a key component of cell membranes, which helps cells maintain their structure so they can function properly.
Phosphorus helps your body use carbohydrates and fat for fuel. It also has a role in making proteins as well as kidney function, muscle contractions, normal heart rhythm, and nerve signaling.
ATP, a key energy source, requires phosphorus as well. All living organisms need ATP for normal metabolism.
Phosphorus is also an electrolyte that helps your body maintainpH balance. Along with otherelectrolytes, phosphorus controls fluid and electrolyte losses in your body.
How Much Phosphorus Do You Need per Day?
Because phosphorus is an essential mineral, you must consume it regularly via certain foods or dietary supplements.
You need phosphorus in varying amounts throughout your life. Typically, children and teenagers need the most phosphorus per day.
The recommended daily intakes for phosphorus are as follows:
What Foods Are High in Phosphorus?
Phosphorus is found in various types of foods, making it fairly easy to get plenty through a balanced diet.
Both plant-based and animal-based foods contain phosphorus. Dairy and grains are the most common sources of phosphorus in the U.S. Phosphorus is also found in meats, fish, eggs, nuts,legumes, and certain vegetables.
Some of the top natural sources of phosphorus are:
Phosphorus is also present in manyprocessed foods, like fast food, frozen meals, soda, and packaged snacks. It may be in various forms, such asdicalciumphosphate,phosphoricacid,disodiumphosphate, or sodiumtripolyphosphate.
Health Benefits of Phosphorus
Phosphorus has numerous roles in the body, all of which are vital to your health.
Some of these roles include:
Other important functions of phosphorus are discussed below.
Osteoporosis Prevention
Phosphorus and calcium are the two most important minerals to bone health. Together, they aid in bone development and mineralization and also increase bone density and strength.
Phosphorus remains vital to your bones throughout your life. Later in life, phosphorus may help preventosteoporosis, a condition in which bone mineral density decreases, leading to an increased risk of bone fractures and other issues.
Research shows that adequate intake of both phosphorus and calcium is associated with improved bone health and a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Energy Production
Phosphorus is a key component andATPand, thus, energy production.
Cells in your body need energy to perform their jobs. ATP is formed when cells need energy. When this happens, ATP releases phosphates to the cells, providing instant energy.
Cells use ATP for metabolism, transportation, and mechanical functions, like moving muscles. All cells require ATP.
Muscle and Nerve Function
Among its many roles, phosphorus is necessary for muscle contractions and nerve signaling.
Phosphorus is important for both skeletal and cardiac (heart) muscle function. A lack of phosphorus (hypophosphatemia) has been found to lead to both skeletal and cardiac muscle disorders. This is thought to be due to a lack of ATP.
Interestingly, too much phosphorus in your blood (hyperphosphatemia) may also disrupt muscle function, cause muscle weakness, and increase the risk of heart disease.
Research and understanding of the role of phosphorus in the nervous system is limited. However, research suggests that either too much or too little phosphorus may cause certain nervous system disorders.
In one study, a relationship between too much or too little dietary phosphorus was linked to an increased risk ofperipheral neuropathy, a disease that affects nerves throughout the body. According to the study, a phosphorus imbalance may cause inflammation, weakening cell membranes' structure, or decreased ATP synthesis, all of which may cause improper nerve functioning.
Because phosphorus is so widespread in foods, a deficiency is rare.However, phosphorus deficiency is possible.
Symptoms of a phosphorus deficiency include:
If you suspect a phosphorus deficiency, talk with a healthcare provider to learn about treatment.
If a healthcare provider has recommended phosphorus supplements to you, awareness of safety considerations is important.
In very rare cases, allergic reactions have been reported as a result of taking phosphorus supplements or medications containing phosphorus.
You should avoid phosphorus supplements if you are allergic to any of their ingredients. Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of asevere allergic reactionsuch as itching, hives, or shortness of breath.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription drugs. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
Precautions
Additional precautions should be taken when using phosphorus.
It’s possible to consume too much phosphorus. Excessive phosphorus intake may lead to side effects and other issues in some cases.
High phosphorus levels may also cause weak bones, muscle cramps,brittle nails, dry skin, irritability, and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).
People with certain health conditions may need to monitor their phosphorus intake. A healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist can help you do this.
Other precautions may be necessary. Always talk with a healthcare provider before taking phosphorus or other supplements.
Interactions
Phosphorus may negatively interact with certain medications or other supplements. These interactions may cause medications or supplements not to work properly.
Interactions may exist between phosphorus and:
If you use these or other medications or supplements, talk with a healthcare provider about possible interactions with phosphorus.
Summary
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that you need to get from your diet. It performs many important roles in your body, including ATP production, metabolism, bone health, pH balance, and DNA and RNA synthesis.
Phosphorus is found in many foods, making deficiency a rare occurrence, especially in the U.S.
Some people may need to avoid phosphorus supplements or medications due to certain medical conditions or other medications they take. Talk with a healthcare provider to learn more about phosphorus.
25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Phosphorus in diet.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus - fact sheet for health professionals.Britannica.Phosphorylation.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus - fact sheet for consumers.National Cancer Institute.Adenosine triphosphate.MedlinePlus.Phosphate in blood.National Kidney Foundation.Phosphorus and your diet.Serna J, Bergwitz C.Importance of dietary phosphorus for bone metabolism and healthy aging.Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3001. doi:10.3390/nu12103001Lee AW, Cho SS.Association between phosphorus intake and bone health in the NHANES population.Nutr J. 2015;14:28. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0017-0Surita G.The power of phosphate: making and breaking bonds across the Atlantic, 1927-1946.HSNS. 2022;52(1):1-39. doi:10.1525/hsns.2022.52.1.1American Chemical Society.Adenosine triphosphate.Britannica.Adenosine triphosphate.Wu C, Wu Z, Chen Y, et al.The relationship between dietary phosphorus and peripheral neuropathy in the general population of the United States: a preliminary research.PLoS One. 2024;19(3):e0299566. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0299566MedlinePlus.Sodium phosphate.Merck Manual.Hyperphosphatemia. September 2023.American Kidney Fund.High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia). March 6, 2024.Brown RB.Diabetes, diabetic complications, and phosphate toxicity: a scoping review.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2020;16(7):674-689. doi:10.2174/1573399815666191104113236Sun M, Wu X, Yu Y, et al.Disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and the proteomics/metabolomics-based research.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020;8:576110. doi:10.3389/fcell.2020.576110National Kidney Foundation.Secondary hyperparathyroidism.Zhou C, Shi Z, Ouyang N, Ruan X.Hyperphosphatemia and cardiovascular disease.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:644363. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.644363Feger M, Ewendt F, Strotmann J, et al.Glucocorticoids dexamethasone and prednisolone suppress fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23).J Mol Med (Berl). 2021;99(5):699-711. doi:10.1007/s00109-021-02036-8Caravaca F, García-Pino G, Martínez-Gallardo R, et al.Increased serum phosphate concentrations in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease treated with diuretics.Nefrologia. 2013;33(4):486-494. doi:10.3265/Nefrologia.pre2013.Feb.11872Khattab M, Abi-Rashed C, Ghattas H, et al.Phosphorus ingestion improves oral glucose tolerance of healthy male subjects: a crossover experiment.Nutr J. 2015;14:112. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0101-5Bover Sanjuán J, Navarro-González JF, Arenas MD, et al.Pharmacological interactions of phosphate binders.Nefrología(English Edition). 2018;38(6):573-578. doi: 10.1016/j.nefroe.2018.08.001Lamberg-Allardt C, Kemi V.Interaction between calcium and phosphorus and the relationship to bone health. In: Gutiérrez OM, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Mehrotra R, eds.Clinical Aspects of Natural and Added Phosphorus in Foods. Springer; 2017:145-157.
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Phosphorus in diet.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus - fact sheet for health professionals.Britannica.Phosphorylation.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus - fact sheet for consumers.National Cancer Institute.Adenosine triphosphate.MedlinePlus.Phosphate in blood.National Kidney Foundation.Phosphorus and your diet.Serna J, Bergwitz C.Importance of dietary phosphorus for bone metabolism and healthy aging.Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3001. doi:10.3390/nu12103001Lee AW, Cho SS.Association between phosphorus intake and bone health in the NHANES population.Nutr J. 2015;14:28. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0017-0Surita G.The power of phosphate: making and breaking bonds across the Atlantic, 1927-1946.HSNS. 2022;52(1):1-39. doi:10.1525/hsns.2022.52.1.1American Chemical Society.Adenosine triphosphate.Britannica.Adenosine triphosphate.Wu C, Wu Z, Chen Y, et al.The relationship between dietary phosphorus and peripheral neuropathy in the general population of the United States: a preliminary research.PLoS One. 2024;19(3):e0299566. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0299566MedlinePlus.Sodium phosphate.Merck Manual.Hyperphosphatemia. September 2023.American Kidney Fund.High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia). March 6, 2024.Brown RB.Diabetes, diabetic complications, and phosphate toxicity: a scoping review.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2020;16(7):674-689. doi:10.2174/1573399815666191104113236Sun M, Wu X, Yu Y, et al.Disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and the proteomics/metabolomics-based research.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020;8:576110. doi:10.3389/fcell.2020.576110National Kidney Foundation.Secondary hyperparathyroidism.Zhou C, Shi Z, Ouyang N, Ruan X.Hyperphosphatemia and cardiovascular disease.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:644363. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.644363Feger M, Ewendt F, Strotmann J, et al.Glucocorticoids dexamethasone and prednisolone suppress fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23).J Mol Med (Berl). 2021;99(5):699-711. doi:10.1007/s00109-021-02036-8Caravaca F, García-Pino G, Martínez-Gallardo R, et al.Increased serum phosphate concentrations in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease treated with diuretics.Nefrologia. 2013;33(4):486-494. doi:10.3265/Nefrologia.pre2013.Feb.11872Khattab M, Abi-Rashed C, Ghattas H, et al.Phosphorus ingestion improves oral glucose tolerance of healthy male subjects: a crossover experiment.Nutr J. 2015;14:112. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0101-5Bover Sanjuán J, Navarro-González JF, Arenas MD, et al.Pharmacological interactions of phosphate binders.Nefrología(English Edition). 2018;38(6):573-578. doi: 10.1016/j.nefroe.2018.08.001Lamberg-Allardt C, Kemi V.Interaction between calcium and phosphorus and the relationship to bone health. In: Gutiérrez OM, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Mehrotra R, eds.Clinical Aspects of Natural and Added Phosphorus in Foods. Springer; 2017:145-157.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Phosphorus in diet.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus - fact sheet for health professionals.Britannica.Phosphorylation.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus - fact sheet for consumers.National Cancer Institute.Adenosine triphosphate.MedlinePlus.Phosphate in blood.National Kidney Foundation.Phosphorus and your diet.Serna J, Bergwitz C.Importance of dietary phosphorus for bone metabolism and healthy aging.Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3001. doi:10.3390/nu12103001Lee AW, Cho SS.Association between phosphorus intake and bone health in the NHANES population.Nutr J. 2015;14:28. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0017-0Surita G.The power of phosphate: making and breaking bonds across the Atlantic, 1927-1946.HSNS. 2022;52(1):1-39. doi:10.1525/hsns.2022.52.1.1American Chemical Society.Adenosine triphosphate.Britannica.Adenosine triphosphate.Wu C, Wu Z, Chen Y, et al.The relationship between dietary phosphorus and peripheral neuropathy in the general population of the United States: a preliminary research.PLoS One. 2024;19(3):e0299566. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0299566MedlinePlus.Sodium phosphate.Merck Manual.Hyperphosphatemia. September 2023.American Kidney Fund.High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia). March 6, 2024.Brown RB.Diabetes, diabetic complications, and phosphate toxicity: a scoping review.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2020;16(7):674-689. doi:10.2174/1573399815666191104113236Sun M, Wu X, Yu Y, et al.Disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and the proteomics/metabolomics-based research.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020;8:576110. doi:10.3389/fcell.2020.576110National Kidney Foundation.Secondary hyperparathyroidism.Zhou C, Shi Z, Ouyang N, Ruan X.Hyperphosphatemia and cardiovascular disease.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:644363. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.644363Feger M, Ewendt F, Strotmann J, et al.Glucocorticoids dexamethasone and prednisolone suppress fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23).J Mol Med (Berl). 2021;99(5):699-711. doi:10.1007/s00109-021-02036-8Caravaca F, García-Pino G, Martínez-Gallardo R, et al.Increased serum phosphate concentrations in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease treated with diuretics.Nefrologia. 2013;33(4):486-494. doi:10.3265/Nefrologia.pre2013.Feb.11872Khattab M, Abi-Rashed C, Ghattas H, et al.Phosphorus ingestion improves oral glucose tolerance of healthy male subjects: a crossover experiment.Nutr J. 2015;14:112. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0101-5Bover Sanjuán J, Navarro-González JF, Arenas MD, et al.Pharmacological interactions of phosphate binders.Nefrología(English Edition). 2018;38(6):573-578. doi: 10.1016/j.nefroe.2018.08.001Lamberg-Allardt C, Kemi V.Interaction between calcium and phosphorus and the relationship to bone health. In: Gutiérrez OM, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Mehrotra R, eds.Clinical Aspects of Natural and Added Phosphorus in Foods. Springer; 2017:145-157.
MedlinePlus.Phosphorus in diet.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus - fact sheet for health professionals.
Britannica.Phosphorylation.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus - fact sheet for consumers.
National Cancer Institute.Adenosine triphosphate.
MedlinePlus.Phosphate in blood.
National Kidney Foundation.Phosphorus and your diet.
Serna J, Bergwitz C.Importance of dietary phosphorus for bone metabolism and healthy aging.Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3001. doi:10.3390/nu12103001
Lee AW, Cho SS.Association between phosphorus intake and bone health in the NHANES population.Nutr J. 2015;14:28. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0017-0
Surita G.The power of phosphate: making and breaking bonds across the Atlantic, 1927-1946.HSNS. 2022;52(1):1-39. doi:10.1525/hsns.2022.52.1.1
American Chemical Society.Adenosine triphosphate.
Britannica.Adenosine triphosphate.
Wu C, Wu Z, Chen Y, et al.The relationship between dietary phosphorus and peripheral neuropathy in the general population of the United States: a preliminary research.PLoS One. 2024;19(3):e0299566. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0299566
MedlinePlus.Sodium phosphate.
Merck Manual.Hyperphosphatemia. September 2023.
American Kidney Fund.High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia). March 6, 2024.
Brown RB.Diabetes, diabetic complications, and phosphate toxicity: a scoping review.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2020;16(7):674-689. doi:10.2174/1573399815666191104113236
Sun M, Wu X, Yu Y, et al.Disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism and the proteomics/metabolomics-based research.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020;8:576110. doi:10.3389/fcell.2020.576110
National Kidney Foundation.Secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Zhou C, Shi Z, Ouyang N, Ruan X.Hyperphosphatemia and cardiovascular disease.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:644363. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.644363
Feger M, Ewendt F, Strotmann J, et al.Glucocorticoids dexamethasone and prednisolone suppress fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23).J Mol Med (Berl). 2021;99(5):699-711. doi:10.1007/s00109-021-02036-8
Caravaca F, García-Pino G, Martínez-Gallardo R, et al.Increased serum phosphate concentrations in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease treated with diuretics.Nefrologia. 2013;33(4):486-494. doi:10.3265/Nefrologia.pre2013.Feb.11872
Khattab M, Abi-Rashed C, Ghattas H, et al.Phosphorus ingestion improves oral glucose tolerance of healthy male subjects: a crossover experiment.Nutr J. 2015;14:112. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0101-5
Bover Sanjuán J, Navarro-González JF, Arenas MD, et al.Pharmacological interactions of phosphate binders.Nefrología(English Edition). 2018;38(6):573-578. doi: 10.1016/j.nefroe.2018.08.001
Lamberg-Allardt C, Kemi V.Interaction between calcium and phosphorus and the relationship to bone health. In: Gutiérrez OM, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Mehrotra R, eds.Clinical Aspects of Natural and Added Phosphorus in Foods. Springer; 2017:145-157.
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