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Phosphorus

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Proper name	Phosphorus
Category	Mineral
Functions	Phosphorus is involved in nearly every metabolic process in the body. Structurally, phosphorus and calcium form calcium phosphate crystals which provide structure and strength to bones. Phosphorus is a vital component of ATP (Adenosine Tri Phosphate), the energy currency of all cells. DNA and RNA are also made in part of phosphorus, thus the manufacture of proteins and cell division require phosphorus. Phosphorus combined with lipid (phospholipids) provide a mechanism for fatty acid transport. Phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine make up cell membranes and allow for selective transport across cell walls. Phosphoric acid and related salts provide a major buffer system for maintaining acid alkaline balance.
RDA	Infants from 0 to 6 months, 300 mg. Age 6 months to 1 year, 500 mg. 800 mg for children 1 to 10 years of age and for adults over age 24. 1,200 mg for persons 11 to 24 years of age.
Therapeutic dose	Phosphorus generally occurs in excessive amounts in the standard American diet and so is not given therapeutically.
Deficiency symptoms	Phosphorus deficiency rarely occurs in humans though it may occur in persons taking aluminum anti-acids for prolonged periods, chronic alcoholics, persons suffering from celiac disease, Chron's disease or other intestinal malabsorption syndromes, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease or persons on starvation diets. Fatigue is a prominent symptom in phosphorus deficiency.
Toxicity	Excessive phosphorus intake causes osteoporosis with decreased bone density and deposits of calcium in the soft tissue. Rickets and osteomalacia may also result from excessive phosphorus intake. Excessive phosphorus may also increase hyperthyroidism. When phosphorus is excessive in comparison to calcium, the result can be tetany. Excessive phosphorus intake occurs with the consumption of soft drinks and excessive amounts of animal protein. Best forms Supplemental phosphorus is not recommended.
Best forms	Not known.
Food sources	Milk, meats and soft drinks.
Lab tests	Serum phosphorus. Hair trace mineral analysis.
Drug interactions	Drugs that deplete phosphorus include; Aluminum Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide Magnesium Trisilicate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide and Simethicone, Cholestyramine Resin, Digoxin, Magnesium Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate.
Nutrient interactions	Excess dietary calcium, iron or aluminum inhibits absorption of phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus work closely together in many areas, particularly bone and teeth formation.
Metabolism	Free phosphorus is absorbed in the small intestine (jejunum) under the influence of Vitamin D hormone. Phosphorus is present in all body tissues but about 80 to 90% of the phosphorus is stored in the bones and teeth as calcium phosphate. Calcium is the second most abundant mineral in the human body and comprises about 1% of the total body weight. The kidneys are the route of excretion for phosphorus. Normally 85 to 90% of the serum phosphorus is reabsorbed in the kidneys because of the influence of vitamin D hormone however, in times of phosphorus excess, parathyroid hormone can increase the amount of phosphorus excreted.