Phosphorus is a vital mineral for the human body. About 85% of the body’s phosphorus is found in the bones and teeth, while 14% is found in soft tissues including the muscle, liver, heart and kidneys, and about 1% in the intracellular fluids. The main sources of phosphorus are protein-rich foods such as milk and dairy products, but also meat, poultry and fish, cereal products and legumes. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet should be approximately 1.5:1. The phosphorus and calcium levels, and their balance in the body, are regulated by the parathyroid hormone and vitamin D in the bones, intestines and kidneys.
- Phosphorus is found in phospholipids, which are the main constituents of the biological membranes in most cells. This mineral is involved in many physiological processes in the body, such as cellular energy production, storage and transfer, regulation of the body’s acid-base balance, cell regulation and signaling.
- Phosphorus helps to maintain healthy teeth and bones, because it is a structural component of the bones and teeth. 80-85% of the body’s total phosphorus (about 600-900 g for adults) is in the form of phosphate in calcium salts in hydroxyapatite. Inorganic phosphorus enters the bones through two processes: ion exchanges and active bone resorption. The bone tissue in adults usually changes slowly, but the dynamic ion exchange that takes place allows for inorganic phosphorus concentrations to be maintained, as well as concentrations of ionic calcium in the blood serum and intracellular fluids.
- This mineral is also needed for normal bone growth and development in children. An adequate phosphorus intake during childhood and adolescence is essential. Achieving one’s peak bone mass at a young age determines a good bone mineral condition in later life.
