Phosphorus is used for more biological processes than any other mineral.  It is required for the production of ATP, the molecule which stores and transports energy in the cell.  In the blood stream phosphorus is used as a buffer to maintain the body’s acid/base balance.  Phosphorus makes up the backbone of DNA and RNA, our genetic material.

Phosphorus is used to make bone and teeth and regulate muscle contraction and blood clotting.  It performs these functions with other minerals including calcium and magnesium.  It is important for phosphorus to be in  proper balance with the minerals calcium and magnesium.  The optimal ratio is 2 calcium:1 magnesium: 1 phosphorus.  With all of these important functions it is hard to believe that phosphorus rarely requires supplementation.

Supplemental phosphorus is usually taken in the4=rough the use of bone meal.  It comes as a powder, tablet or capsule.  Bone meal supplements with added vitamin D, for absorption, are superior.  Ensure that the bone meal has been tested and is free of heavy metals, like lead, which tend to accumulate in the bones. Small amounts of phosphorus may be added to calcium/magnesium complexes.  Phosphorus is also contained in supplements of phosphatidyl choline and serine.  These supplements are used because they build cell membranes and metabolize fats.

Deficiency of phosphorus is rare because most foods contain some phosphorus.  Excessive intake of phosphorus, most often from junk foods and carbonated drinks, is more of a concern because phosphorus interferes with calcium and magnesium absorption.  It is a causative factor in calcium deficiency.  Individuals who are over forty have a decreased ability to excrete phosphorus from the kidneys and are especially susceptible to calcium deficiency.  Phosphorus is depleted by digoxin, antacids containing magnesium and aluminum, diuretics, mineral oil and colchicine.