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 bloodstream, it is used as a buffer to maintain the body’s acid/base balance. This mineral makes up the backbone of DNA and RNA, our genetic material.
Key Benefits of Phosphorus
This mineral is used to make bones, and teeth and regulate muscle contraction and blood clotting. It performs these functions with other minerals including calcium and magnesium.
What To Look For In A Phosphorus Supplement
It is important for this mineral 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.
Phosphorus Supplement Varieties
These supplements are usually taken in the4=rough the use of bone meal. Available 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. This mineral is also contained in supplements of phosphatidyl choline and serine. These supplements are used because they build cell membranes and metabolize fats.
Potential Side Effects & Cautions
Deficiency of this mineral is rare because most foods contain it.
Excessive intake of phosphorus, most often from junk foods and carbonated drinks, is more of a concern because it 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 this mineral from the kidneys and are especially susceptible to calcium deficiency. Phosphorus is depleted by digoxin, antacids containing magnesium and aluminium, diuretics, mineral oil and colchicine.
