Phosphorus: Benefits, Deficiency, Food Sources and Supplements

July 22, 2022 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in Minerals

Phosphorus: Benefits, Deficiency, Food Sources and Supplements

Phosphorus is a chemical element that is present in many types of foods and drinks. It is an essential nutrient for humans and animals. Without it, we would not have enough food to feed the world’s population. It is also one of the most common elements in the earth’s crust.

Phosphorus has many uses, but the most important use of phosphorous is as a fertilizer. This allows plants to grow and thrive. It can be found in food, soil, and water.

Phosphorus is a highly reactive nonmetal chemical element which is relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust. It has a number of applications such as in making matches, explosives, fertilizer, pesticides, toothpaste and more.

Phosphorus-containing compounds are also used to make phosphoric acid – this acid has many uses such as cleaning metal surfaces (to remove rust), making fertilizers and detergents (to dissolve dirt), or even making glass (to make it harder).

What is phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a chemical element that is a part of many compounds such as phosphoric acid, phosphate rock, and phosphates.

Phosphorus is an element that is essential for human life. It helps in the production of ATP, which is required for energy production. However, it has some side effects such as a burning sensation and nausea when consumed in large quantities.

Phosphorus is one of the most common elements found in nature and it has an important role in many biological processes. It plays an important role in the formation of bones and teeth. Phosphorus also helps with the synthesis of DNA and RNA.

Phosphorus can be found in many different forms including:

  • Phosphates are salts that contain the phosphate ion.
  • Phosphoric Acid is a weak acid with a pKa value of 1.6 at room temperature, it is used to make fertilizers and other products that require sulfuric acid.
  • Phosphate Rock are rocks that contain high concentrations of phosphate minerals and are often mined for fertilizer.
  • Phosphorus Pentoxide is a white powder and can be made by heating Phosphorus together with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst.
  • The Platinum Group Metals are used to make products such as pesticides and fuel additives, they include the elements rhodium, iridium, palladium, osmium and platinum.

Health benefits

Phosphorous is vital for all living things and it is found in many foods. It can be found in animal bones, plant leaves, human hair, car batteries, and even toothpaste. Phosphorus has a number of uses that we benefit from every day.

Phosphorus is a mineral that is found in every cell of our body. It helps in the formation of bones, teeth and connective tissue. It also helps in the production of DNA and RNA, which are essential for the synthesis of proteins, energy, and hormones.

Phosphorus has many benefits for humans including:

  • Building strong bones and teeth
  • Maintaining healthy hair
  • keeping skin healthy
  • Promoting healthy growth in children
  • Improving digestion health
  • Reducing the risk of cancer
  • Recurrent abdominal cramps
  • constipation

Phosphorous is an important element in our bodies and it supports life processes such as:

  • Cell division
  • Muscle contraction
  • Bone formation
  • DNA synthesis
  • Protein synthesis, etc.

Phosphorus has many benefits for our health so it should be incorporated into our diet on a regular basis but there are some side effects of eating too much phosphorus which include kidney stones, bone pain or arthritis, and muscle weakness.

Recommended Intake

Phosphorus is a chemical element that is required for the body to function properly. It is found in many foods like milk, eggs, and meat. The recommended intake of phosphorus for an adult varies from 900mg to 1,500mg depending on the person’s age and gender.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adult men and women 19+ years is 700 mg a day. Pregnancy and lactation require the same amount of phosphorus at 700 mg daily.

Phosphorus can also be found in water supply but it will not be enough unless you drink a lot of water throughout the day.

Phosphorus Deficiency

Phosphorus deficiency is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough phosphorus. It helps in the formation of bones, teeth, muscles and connective tissue.

This deficiency can be caused by inadequate intake of phosphorus, improper digestion and absorption of phosphorus, and lack of phosphorous in the diet.

Phosphorus deficiency is a serious health issue that can lead to:

  • Anemia (low blood count)
  • Osteoporosis (thinning bones)
  • Rickets (soft bones)
  • Skeletal deformities like scoliosis (curvature of spine)
  • Tooth decay, and other health problems.

But phosphorus deficiency is not the only problem phosphorus can cause. Too much phosphorus in the body can also be a problem since it may cause several medical conditions such as hyperphosphatemia or hypophosphatemia.

Phosphorus deficiency is most commonly seen in infants who are not breastfed for long periods during their first year. The condition may also be seen in those who have had a decreased intake of protein, calcium or phosphorus-rich foods over an extended period.

Symptoms of Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is needed for the body to function properly. It helps with bone growth, cell division and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Phosphorus deficiency can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Numbness and tingling in the toes
  • Loss of balance and coordination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Blurry vision
  • Excessive thirst
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite

Other symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Irregular breathing
  • Irritability
  • Joint stiffness
  • Changes in body weight
  • Brittle nails that are prone to breaking easily

Children who don’t have enough phosphorus in their bodies may experience poor growth patterns or issues with bone and tooth development.

Food sources

Phosphorus is a mineral that is essential for many bodily functions including the formation of bones and teeth. It is primarily found in food sources. The food sources of phosphorus are not limited to these items only.

Phosphorus is found in many foods such as:

The main source of phosphorus for humans comes from plant-based foods such as meat, dairy products and vegetables. Phosphorus can also come from drinking water that contains naturally occurring phosphates or by eating fish that contain high levels of phosphorus (about 0.3 mg per kg).

Supplements

Phosphorus is an important component for body health. In fact, it has been found to be necessary for life itself. However, it can be difficult to get enough phosphorous from food sources alone. Phosphorus supplements are often useful in treating various health conditions like osteoporosis and cancer.

Phosphorus supplements are used by athletes when they need to increase their performance. They are also used by older adults who have a hard time absorbing nutrients from food sources because of age-related changes in the digestive tract.

Phosphorus supplements can be taken as a part of a balanced diet or on their own if it is not possible to eat enough food with high levels of phosphorus in it.

Phosphorus supplements can be found in many different forms such as pills, lozenges powders, tablets or liquids. Some people also prefer to consume them through their food sources like milk or eggs.

Summary

Phosphorus is a chemical element that is found in the earth’s crust. It is a non-metal and the most abundant element in the universe.

Phosphorus is required for healthy bone formation. It also promotes growth and development of cells and tissues. Phosphorus is found in a wide range of foods, including meat, poultry, fish and dairy products.

If you have symptoms of a deficiency or feel that you may have one, talk to your doctor about getting blood work done and a physical to test your levels.

Treating any underlying conditions is important for overall health so that you can perform at your best. Your doctor can also suggest other modes of treatment like taking phosphorous supplements.

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