What is Phosphorus? High and Low

by Abbas Jahangir · November 19, 2024

Balanced phosphorus levels in the blood are essential for human health. High phosphorus levels can cause problems such as muscle and joint weakness, hormonal imbalances, and impaired digestive and kidney function. Diagnosing and treating high or low phosphorus levels and managing them correctly are very important for health.

What is Phosphorus?

Phosphorus (P) is a mineral naturally found in the body. It works with calcium to structure bones and teeth. Phosphorus is vital for various body functions. It is used in the main tissue of the cell membrane, in energy production, and in the formation of the building blocks of DNA. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to use phosphorus effectively and efficiently.

Thanks to phosphorus; waste is filtered, cells are repaired, tissues are improved. It also benefits bone and tooth health. The presence of phosphorus at the right levels in the body is necessary to regulate cell functions.

Phosphorus was discovered by the German Alchemist Hennig Brand in 1669. Brand introduced the existence of this element to the scientific world by isolating phosphorus through the evaporation and purification process of urine. Phosphorus was given the name “phosphorus”, meaning “light bearer” , because it had an illuminating feature due to its discovery.

Study: Brand, H., & Lavoisier, A. Information Systems.

Findings: This study shows what phosphorus is, its history and how it came into being.

Source: History.

What Should Phosphorus Level Be in Blood?

Phosphorus levels in the blood are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A healthy adult should have a phosphorus level between 2.8 and 4.5 mg/dL in their blood.

This range can help ensure that phosphorus functions optimally in the body and prevent potential health problems. Phosphorus levels below this range are called hypophosphatemia, while phosphorus levels above this range are called hyperphosphatemia.

How Much Daily Phosphorus Intake Should Be?

The daily phosphorus intake table according to age groups is as follows:

Age group	Daily Phosphorus Intake Amount (mg)
Adults aged 19 and over	700mg
Children aged 9 to 18 years	1,250 mg
Children aged 4 to 8 years	500mg
Children aged 1 to 3 years	460mg
Children aged 7 to 12 months	275mg
Babies 0 to 6 months	100mg

Study: Nadkarni, G.N., & Uribarri, J. (2014). Phosphorus and the kidney: what is known and what is needed.

Findings: This study suggests phosphorus homeostasis. It examines what phosphorus is, all causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), details of serum phosphorus.

Source: Advances in nutrition.

What is High Phosphorus?

Phosphorus plays a role in the body’s energy production, bone health and cellular functions. High phosphorus means the presence of phosphorus in the blood above the normal reference range. It is called hyperphosphatemia. High phosphorus and low phosphorus in the blood are determined by the “P-Phosphorus Test” . High results can be due to various reasons. Being above the normal level (2.8-4.5) indicates high phosphorus.

This condition usually occurs due to reasons such as kidney dysfunction, hormonal imbalances or excessive phosphorus intake . Too high a level of phosphorus in the blood can lead to health problems such as osteoporosis, hardening of the arteries and heart disease.

Study: Moe, SM, & Drüeke, TB (2003). Management of secondary hyperparathyroidism: the importance and the challenge of controlling parathyroid hormone levels without elevating calcium, phosphorus, and calcium-phosphorus product.

Results: This study examines the development of new, more physiologically relevant therapies that may lead to successful management of secondary HPT (secondary hyperparathyroidism). Secondary HPT is caused by disturbances in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone metabolism that develop early in the course of CKD and become more pronounced as kidney function declines.

Source: American journal of nephrology.

What Causes High Phosphorus?

Kidney diseases
Excess Vitamin D
Phosphorus-containing drugs
Diabetes
Calcium deficiency
Magnesium deficiency
Liver diseases
Cell destruction (cancer diseases)
Chemotherapy
High phosphorus diet (milk and dairy products, red meat, etc.)

High phosphorus levels can often be caused by kidney diseases, excessive phosphorus intake, and some hormonal disorders. In cases where the kidneys cannot excrete more phosphorus than normal, phosphorus levels in the blood may increase.

Study: “The role of vitamin D in phosphorus homeostasis”

Findings: The effects of vitamin D on phosphorus metabolism were examined and it was stated that excess vitamin D could lead to hyperphosphatemia.

Source: Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 2016.

Consuming excessive amounts of phosphorus-containing foods can cause high phosphorus levels. Frequent intake of processed foods can cause high phosphorus levels. Hypoparathyroidism , or insufficiency of the parathyroid glands, can cause phosphorus to accumulate abnormally in the body. Some medications and supplements can also increase phosphorus levels.

Study: Hruska, K., Mathew, S., Lund, R., Fang, Y., & Sugatani, T. (2011). Cardiovascular risk factors in chronic kidney disease: does phosphate qualify?

Findings: This study examines the association of high phosphorus levels with cardiovascular disease and its effects in individuals with kidney disease.

Source: Kidney international.

Symptoms of High Phosphorus

Hormonal imbalances
Disorder of the functioning of the thyroid glands
Digestive system problems
Impaired kidney function
Muscle weakness
Joint and bone pain
Fatigue
Itching
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vascular calcification
Heart problems

Study: Block, GA, Hulbert-Shearon, TE, Levin, NW, & Port, FK (1998). Association of serum phosphorus and calcium x phosphate product with mortality risk in chronic hemodialysis patients: a national study.

Findings: The study details the increased risk of mortality and associated symptoms of high phosphorus levels in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Source: American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

How to Lower Phosphorus Levels?

Low phosphorus diet,
Treatment of kidney diseases,
Adequate water consumption.

Several strategies can be followed to manage high phosphorus levels. Foods that are high in phosphorus are either not included in the diet or their intake can be limited. This is one of the basic steps to lowering phosphorus levels. In particular, processed foods rich in phosphorus and phosphorus additives can be avoided.

Beans, carbonated drinks, nuts, prepackaged foods, fish and processed meats should be avoided.

Study: Ketteler, M., Block, GA, Evenepoel, P., Fukagawa, M., Herzog, CA, McCann, L., … & Leonard, MB (2017). Executive summary of the 2017 KDIGO Chronic Kidney Disease–Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) Guideline Update: what’s changed and why it matters.

Findings: This guideline addresses the management of mineral and bone disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease and recommends limiting phosphorus intake.

Source: Kidney international.

Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can also help manage high phosphorus levels by improving phosphorus metabolism. Exercise can increase muscle mass, allowing phosphorus to be better used at the cellular level.

Study: Tentori, F., Blayney, MJ, Albert, JM, Gillespie, BW, Kerr, PG, Bommer, J., … & Port, FK (2008). Mortality risk for dialysis patients with different levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH: the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS).

Results: This study examines the effects of serum phosphorus, calcium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels on the risk of death in hemodialysis patients and discusses various strategies for phosphorus management.

Source: American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

What is Low Phosphorus?

Low phosphorus (hypophosphatemia) is a condition in which the level of phosphorus in the blood falls below normal. Normal phosphorus levels should generally be between 2.5 and 4.5 mg/dL . When this level falls below, body functions can be adversely affected.

What Causes Low Phosphorus?

Inadequate phosphorus intake
Gastrointestinal Disorders (Absorption disorders, Crohn’s disease or celiac disease)
Vitamin D deficiency
Chronic alcohol consumption (Alcoholism)
Severe burns and traumas
Some medications (Insulin, antacids and some diuretics)

What are the symptoms of low phosphorus?

Muscle aches
Muscle weakness
Bone and joint pain
Fragility and weakness of bones
Fatigue
Mental confusion
Anorexia or loss of appetite
Respiratory problems
Decrease in training capacity

Study: “Hypophosphatemia and its effects on muscle and skeletal health”

Findings: Increased muscle weakness and bone fragility were observed in hypophosphatemia.

Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2018.

Which Foods Contain Phosphorus?

Protein-rich foods are usually high in phosphorus. Some foods rich in phosphorus , found in both plant and animal foods,are:

Milk and Dairy Products Containing Phosphorus

Milk
Yogurt
Cheese

Meat Products Containing Phosphorus

Red meat
Chicken
Turkey
Liver

Seafood Containing Phosphorus

Salmon
Sardine
Cod

Phosphorus-Containing Grains and Legumes

Whole grains
Oat
Barley
Lentil
Bean

Nuts and Seeds Containing Phosphorus

Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Almond
Walnut

Food Group	Sample Foods	Phosphorus Content (mg/100g)
Milk and Dairy Products	Milk, Yogurt, Cheese	90-500mg
Meat and Poultry	Red Meat, Chicken, Turkey, Liver	200-300mg
Seafood	Salmon, Sardine, Cod	200-400mg
Grains and Legumes	Whole Grains, Oats, Barley, Lentils, Beans	100-350mg
Nuts and Seeds	Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Almonds, Walnuts	400-700mg

Frequently Asked Questions About Phosphorus

What Happens If Phosphorus Is High?

High levels of phosphorus in the blood can combine with calcium to cause hardening of the blood vessels and soft tissues . This can lead to cardiovascular disease . disease and can lead to calcium loss from the bones.

Where is Phosphorus Found Most?

Phosphorus is found in many food sources, but the richest sources include milk, yogurt and cheese, red meat, chicken, turkey, fish and shellfish, whole grains, legumes such as oats, lentils and beans, and nuts such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and almonds.

What to Eat for Phosphorus Deficiency?

In case of phosphorus deficiency, phosphorus-rich foods can be added to the diet. Milk and dairy products, meat and poultry, fish and other seafood, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds can be included in this diet list.

What Diseases Does Phosphorus Deficiency Cause?

Phosphorus deficiency symptoms may occur as weakness and softening of bones, muscle weakness and pain, loss of appetite, anemia, and a weakened immune system .

How to Meet Daily Phosphorus Needs?

It is important to follow a balanced and varied diet to meet your daily phosphorus needs. For example, 1 glass of milk, 1 serving of yogurt or 1 slice of cheese can help meet your daily phosphorus needs. Protein sources such as red meat, chicken or fish can also contribute to your phosphorus intake.

How to Increase Phosphorus in the Brain?

It is important to consume phosphorus-rich foods to increase phosphorus levels in the brain. Fish containing omega-3 fatty acids contribute to brain health while also meeting phosphorus needs.

For the most accurate information and healthy results, get support from a specialist doctor. The information in our content is not a prescription. We wish you healthy days…