Phosphorus in food is easily absorbed in the small intestine. Excesses of phosphorus are eliminated by the kidneys. Phosphorus is regulated along with calcium.
Summary for Phosphorus
Main functions: strengthens bones, in cell membranes, in DNA, maintains acid-base balance, and needed in energy transfer.
Adequate Intake: for adults and adolescents, 700 mg per day.
Toxicity is rare.
Tolerable upper intake level is set at three to four grams for ages one and above.
Deficiency is very rare.
Sources: adequate amounts are found in all food.
Forms in the body: as free phosphorus ions in blood, in phospholipids, and in hydroxyapatite in bones.
When the parathyroid glands sense low calcium levels in the blood, more calcium and phosphorus are absorbed into the blood from the intestines. If calcium levels are still low, both calcium and phosphorus are removed from the bones and put into the blood. However, while the parathyroid hormone causes more calcium to be retained by the kidneys, it increases the loss of phosphorus in the urine. This results in a higher ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the blood.
DEFICIENCY OF PHOSPHORUS
Deficiency of phosphorus in the blood is called hypophosphatemia (hypo- for low, phosphate for phosphorus, and -emia for blood). Hypophosphatemia is very rare because phosphorus is so widespread in food. In fact, low levels of phosphorus are rarely seen except in cases of near starvation, alcoholism, and certain types of diabetes. High doses of aluminum-containing antacids can cause loss of phosphorus, and, over a period of time, low blood levels of phosphorus.
Summary for Phosphorus
Main functions: strengthens bones, in cell membranes, in DNA, maintains acid-base balance, and needed in energy transfer.
Adequate Intake: for adults and adolescents, 700 mg per day.
Toxicity is rare.
Tolerable upper intake level is set at three to four grams for ages one and above.
Deficiency is very rare.
Sources: adequate amounts are found in all food.
Forms in the body: as free phosphorus ions in blood, in phospholipids, and in hydroxyapatite in bones.
When the parathyroid glands sense low calcium levels in the blood, more calcium and phosphorus are absorbed into the blood from the intestines. If calcium levels are still low, both calcium and phosphorus are removed from the bones and put into the blood. However, while the parathyroid hormone causes more calcium to be retained by the kidneys, it increases the loss of phosphorus in the urine. This results in a higher ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the blood.
DEFICIENCY OF PHOSPHORUS
Deficiency of phosphorus in the blood is called hypophosphatemia (hypo- for low, phosphate for phosphorus, and -emia for blood). Hypophosphatemia is very rare because phosphorus is so widespread in food. In fact, low levels of phosphorus are rarely seen except in cases of near starvation, alcoholism, and certain types of diabetes. High doses of aluminum-containing antacids can cause loss of phosphorus, and, over a period of time, low blood levels of phosphorus.
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