Description:
Phosphorus is needed for bone and tooth formation, cell growth,
contraction of the heart muscle, and kidney function. It helps the
body utilize vitamins and minerals, and helps with the conversion
of food into energy. A proper balance of magnesium, calcium , and
phosphorus should be maintained at all times. If one of these minerals
is present either in excessive or insufficient amounts health problems
will develop. Deficiencies of phosphorus are rare, but if it occurs,
bone pain, fatigue, irregular breathing, irritability, tremors,
and weakness can develop.
Complimentary Nutrients:
Iron, calcium, manganese, A. D, and F.
Antagonists:
Aluminum, excessive iron, inorganic magnesium as in antacids,
and milk of magnesia, and excessive white sugar. An excessive amount
of phosphorus interferes with calcium utilization. A diet high in
carbonated beverages can provide too much phosphorus.
Health Benefits:
Brain, nerves, energy production, bone and tooth formation, cell
growth and repair, heart muscle contraction, kidney function, metabolism
of calcium and sugar, nerve and muscle activity, and vitamin utilization.
Therapeutic Uses:
Stunted growth in children, stress, arthritis, and tooth and gum
disorders.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Overweight. weight loss, appetite loss, fatigue, irregular breathing,
and nervous disorders.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 800 mg (males), 800 mg (females) |
800 mg (males), 800 mg (females) |
Rarely needed |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
This mineral is found in most foods, especially in: asparagus,
bran, corn, dairy products, eggs, fish, glandular meats, yellow
cheese, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, sesame and sunflower seeds, meats,
poultry, salmon, and whole grains. Here are some examples.
| Food |
Amount |
MG |
| calf liver |
1/4 lb. |
600 |
| milk/yogurt |
1 cup |
230 |
| cooked eggs |
1 medium |
110 |
