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10.3: Phosphorus

  • Page ID
    9810
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    Learning Objectives

    • Learn all about phosphorus

    Phosphorus is present in our bodies as part of a chemical group called a phosphate group. These phosphate groups are essential as a structural component of cell membranes (as phospholipids), DNA and RNA, energy production (ATP), and regulation of acid-base homeostasis. Phosphorus however is mostly associated with calcium as a part of the mineral structure of bones and teeth. Blood phosphorus levels are not controlled as strictly as calcium so the PTH stimulates renal excretion of phosphate so that it does not accumulate to toxic levels.

    Dietary Reference Intakes for Phosphorus

    In comparison to calcium, most Americans are not at risk for having a phosphate deficiency. Phosphate is present in many foods popular in the American diet including meat, fish, dairy products, processed foods, and beverages. Phosphate is added to many foods because it acts as an emulsifying agent, prevents clumping, improves texture and taste, and extends shelf-life. The average intake of phosphorus in US adults ranges between 1,000 and 1,500 milligrams per day, well above the RDA of 700 milligrams per day. The UL set for phosphorous is 4,000 milligrams per day for adults and 3,000 milligrams per day for people over age seventy.

    Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Dietary Reference Intakes for Phosphorus.
    Age Group RDA (mg/day) UL (mg/day)
    Infants (0–6 months) 100*
    Infants (6–12 months) 275*
    Children (1–3 years) 460 3,000
    Children (4–8 years) 500 3,000
    Children (9–13 years) 1,250 4,000
    Adolescents (14–18 years) 1,250 4,000
    Adults (19–70 years) 700 4,000
    Adults (> 70 years) 700 3,000
    * denotes Adequate Intake

    Micronutrient Information Center: Phosphorus. Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/phosphorus. Updated in July 2013. Accessed October 22, 2017.

    Dietary Sources of Phosphorus

    Table \(\PageIndex{2}\): Phosphorus Content of Various Foods.
    Foods Serving Phosphorus (mg) Percent Daily Value 1000
    Salmon 3 oz. 315 32
    Yogurt, nonfat 8 oz. 306 31
    Turkey, light meat 3 oz. 217 22
    Chicken, light meat 3 oz. 135 14
    Beef 3 oz. 179 18
    Lentils* ½ c. 178 18
    Almonds* 1 oz. 136 14
    Mozzarella 1 oz. 131 13
    Peanuts* 1 oz. 108 11
    Whole wheat bread 1 slice 68 7
    Egg 1 large 86 9
    Carbonated cola drink 12 oz. 41 4
    Bread, enriched 1 slice 25 3

    Micronutrient Information Center: Phosphorus. Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/phosphorus. Updated in July 2013. Accessed October 22, 2017.

    Contributors and Attributions


    This page titled 10.3: Phosphorus is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by The University of Hawaiʻi.

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