Here we’re going to highlight an important mineral that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves—phosphorus. From strengthening bones to aiding in energy production, phosphorus plays a variety of roles in our bodies. But do we really know what it means? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of phosphorus, exploring its health benefits, potential side effects, dietary sources and some fun facts.
What is Phosphorus?
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in our body, right after calcium. It’s crucial for many of our body’s physiological functions. Nearly 85% of the body’s phosphorus is found in our bones and teeth, playing a key role in their structure and strength. But its role is not limited to just that!
Phosphorus is part of every cell in our body. It plays an important role in the formation of DNA and RNA, the building blocks of our genes. It is involved in the production of energy, particularly in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a molecule that stores and transports energy in cells.
Additionally, phosphorus is essential for nerve function and muscle contraction. It is involved in maintaining the body’s pH balance and promotes the utilization of other nutrients, such as vitamins B and D, and other minerals, such as iodine, magnesium and zinc.
Health Benefits
Bone and Teeth Health
Phosphorus is well known for its role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. About 85% of the phosphorus in the human body is found in bones and teeth, where it works with calcium to provide structure and strength.
Energy Production
Phosphorus plays a crucial role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It also helps the body make ATP, a molecule the body uses to store energy. This makes phosphorus vital for our overall vitality and stamina.
Muscle
Phosphorus is involved in the contraction of muscles, including heart muscle, ensuring that your muscles work optimally during physical activity. This mineral also aids in muscle recovery after exercise.
Kidney
Our kidneys help control the amount of phosphorus in the body. Phosphorus helps filter waste products from the kidneys and plays an important role in maintaining overall kidney health.
Nerve Conduction
Phosphorus contributes to the normal functioning of nerves and brain. It helps promote the transmission of nerve impulses in the body and contributes to the health of our nervous system.
Cell Repair and Maintenance
Phosphorus plays a key role in the body’s ability to repair and maintain cells and tissues. It is also involved in the process of protein synthesis, cell division and growth.
Nutrient Utilization
Phosphorus aids the body in the utilization of various nutrients, including vitamins B and D, as well as other minerals such as iodine, magnesium and zinc.
Side Effects
Hyperphosphatemia
Excessive intake of phosphorus can lead to hyperphosphatemia, which is too much phosphorus in the blood. This condition causes a variety of symptoms, including joint pain, muscle spasms, itchy skin and rashes.
Bone Health
While phosphorus is necessary for bone health, an overabundance can lead to low calcium levels, as the body tries to maintain a balance between these two minerals. This imbalance can weaken bones over time and increase the risk of fractures.
Kidney Damage
High levels of phosphorus are especially dangerous for people with kidney disease, because their kidneys have difficulty clearing excess phosphorus from the blood. Over time, this can lead to kidney damage.
Cardiovascular Issues
High levels of phosphorus can cause calcium to be deposited in blood vessels, leading to hardening of the arteries, a condition called vascular calcification. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Consuming too much phosphorus, especially in the form of additives and preservatives in processed foods, can lead to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Food Sources
Animal-Based Food Sources of Phosphorus
Plant-Based Food Sources of Phosphorus
- Seaweed
- Chickpea
- Almond
- Tofu
- Coconut milk
- Buckwheat
- Amaranth
- Sesame seed
- Black bean
- Sunflower seed
Other Phosphorus Sources
Best Overall: WellnessOne Liquid Phosphorus Supplements at Amazon ($20)
Best Overall: WellnessOne Liquid Phosphorus Supplements
- Energy Support – Experience a natural energy boost for both kids and adults. These Phosphorus Liquid Vitamins help fuel your body with vitality for enhanced energy levels, daily performance and well-rounded wellness.
- Comprehensive Wellness Support – Beyond promoting healthy bones and teeth, our phosphorus vitamins liquid ionic minerals supports protein production and provides energy support, contributing to overall well-being.
- Liquid Advantage – With its liquid format, our phosphorus liquid multivitamins offers convenience and ease of use and designed for rapid absorption, allowing the body to efficiently utilize the ionic phosphorus in various essential functions.
- Natural Ingredients – Embrace the purity of nature. Our phosphorous supplement is naturally organic, providing you with a clean and wholesome source of this essential nutrient. Fuel your body with the goodness it deserves with WellnessOne Phosphorus Mineral Supplements.
- 100% Risk Free Guarantee – If for any reason you are not satisfied with WellnessOne Phosphorus Liquid Drops, simply return any unused portion for a full, no-hassle, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!
- Brand: WellnessOne
- Flavor: Unflavored
- Primary Supplement Type: Phosphorus
- Item Form: Liquid
- Unit Count: 1.67 Fl Oz
Fun Facts
Fact 1: A Cosmic Mineral
Did you know that phosphorus is not just essential to life on Earth, but is also found throughout the universe? It’s a key component of the interstellar medium, the matter that exists in the space between the star systems in a galaxy!
Fact 2: Glowing in the Dark
The name ‘phosphorus’ comes from the Greek ‘phosphoros’, meaning “bringer of light”. This is because white phosphorus, one of the forms of this element, glows in the dark!
Fact 3: Guinness World Record
Phosphorus holds a unique Guinness World Record. It was the first element discovered since ancient times and therefore holds the record as “the longest element known to man”.
Fact 4: DNA Builder
Phosphorus is an important building block of DNA, RNA and ATP, the basic molecules that hold the blueprint for life and provide energy to our cells.
Fact 5: Ubiquitous in Food
Phosphorus is found in almost all foods because it’s an essential part of all living organisms. So whether you’re a meat-lover, a vegan, or somewhere in between, you’re probably getting more phosphorus than you think!
Fact 6: Phosphorus and Life
Phosphorus is vital to life, and if it disappeared from the Earth, life as we know it would cease to exist!
