Description
Phosphorus is a mineral element found in every cell in the body, virtually all foods, and the soil from where our food is grown. It is required for the formation of health bones and teeth and in the general growth and repair of cells.
Phosphorus is needed for heart muscle contraction, proper kidney function, and proper vitamin utilization. It is involved in energy production, and nerve and muscle activity.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Phosphorus is beneficial in the prevention of rickets, a deficiency disease in children, marked by soft, deformed bones.
It can prevent or alleviate pyorrhea, a deficiency causing inflammation with pus in the sockets of the teeth and is also useful to help prevent other gum and tooth disorders.
Phosphorus can help to decrease the pain of arthritis, and may be helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis, heart and kidney disease.
Source
Good natural sources of phosphorus include fish, poultry, meat, whole grains, nuts, seeds, cocoa powder, eggs, corn, bran, garlic, legumes, brewer's yeast, and dried fruits.
Supplemental sources are derived from bone meal. As a result, supplementation may be inappropriate for vegetarians/vegans.
Optimal Absorption
Vitamin D aids in the absorption of phosphorus.
Maintaining a proper balance of key minerals with phosphorus will promote overall absorption. The proper ratio of calcium to magnesium to phosphorus is 2 : 1 : 1. If any of these minerals is in excess or in inadequate amounts, it may cause adverse effects on the body.
The following is a list of United States 1997-1998 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI): Adequate Intakes (AI) for nutritional phosphorous intake and are included as a guideline only. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for a dosage appropriate for your needs. Children under 6 years of age should be under the supervision of the above mentioned specialists if directly supplementing with phosphorous.
Infants 0 - 5 months, 100mg6 - 11 months, 275mg
Children
1 - 3, 460mg4 - 8, 500mg
Males
9 - 13, 1,250mg14 - 18, 1,250mg19 - 30, 700mg31 - 50, 700mg51 - 70, 700mg> 70, 700mg
Females
9 - 13, 1,250mg14 - 18, 1,250mg19 - 30, 700mg31 - 50, 700mg51 - 70, 700mg> 70, 700mg
Pregnancy
Use the value listed for women of comparable age.
Lactation
Use the value listed for women of comparable age.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
The body's calcium to phosphorus ratio is disrupted by the use of white sugar.
Excess levels of iron, aluminum and magnesium can render phosphorus ineffective. Long-term use of antacids can deplete the body's supply of phosphorus.
There is no known toxicity.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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when applying the information contained on this website.
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