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The best way to increase phosphorus levels in the blood is to eat a phosphorus-rich diet.
The best way to increase phosphorus levels in the blood is to eat a phosphorus-rich diet. Protein-rich foods are high in phosphorus, which is present in almost all food sources because it is an essential component of all living organisms.
10 phosphorus-rich foods
- Egg: The amount of phosphorus in every part of the egg varies.
- The whole egg contains about 86 mg of phosphorus.
- Egg white from one large egg contains 5 mg of phosphorus, indicating that the majority of the phosphorus in the egg is in the yolk.
- Red meat: Red meat, such as beef and veal, is one of the highest phosphorus-containing foods.
- Poultry:
- Though phosphorus levels in chicken and turkey are lower than red meat and fatty fish, it may be a good source.
- Phosphate additives are sometimes added to poultry products (and meats) to significantly increase the total phosphorus content.
- Fish: Phosphorus is found in fatty fish and shellfish, such as salmon, tuna, clams, and mollusks.
- Dairy products:
- Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, have a more balanced calcium-phosphorus ratio and are, thus, high in phosphorus.
- A 150-gram serving of plain low-fat yogurt contains 40 percent of the daily phosphorus requirement.
- Similarly, milk is considered a good source of phosphorus.
- Cheese:
- Depending on the type of cheese and the method of processing, it can contain anywhere from less than 100 mg to nearly 1000 mg of combined organic and inorganic phosphorus per serving.
- Phosphorus levels in hard cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese are higher than in other cheeses.
- Yeast: The phosphorus content of yeast is extremely high. Phosphorus is more easily absorbed by the body when bread is made with yeast.
- Beans and lentils:
- Beans and lentils may contain more phosphorus than chicken or beef.
- However, animal proteins are thought to be the best sources of phosphorus.
- This is because animal protein foods have higher phosphorus availability, and 40 to 60 percent of phosphorus in animal foods is absorbed by the human body. However, only 10 to 30 percent of phosphorus in plant foods is absorbed.
- Chocolate: The amount of phosphorus in chocolate varies according to the type.
- A 100-gram serving of dark chocolate contains 308 mg of phosphorus.
- The same amount of white chocolate contains 176 mg of phosphorus.
- Milk chocolates are high in phosphorus because milk is high in phosphorus.
- Carbonated cola drinks: The body completely absorbs inorganic phosphorus found in processed foods, such as carbonated drinks and processed cheese. However, exercise caution when consuming carbonated beverages and processed foods to avoid exceeding phosphorus and disrupting the calcium-phosphorus ratio.
28 other foods rich in phosphorus
- Sunflower seeds
- Teff grain
- Potatoes
- Tofu
- Portobello mushrooms
- Almonds
- Brown rice
- Millet
- Peanuts
- Biscuits
- Muffins
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Fast food
- Hamburger helper mixes
- Pizza
- Toaster pastries
- Ice cream
- Frozen yogurt
- Beer
- Hot cocoa
- Canned soup
- Flavored waters and teas
- Milkshakes
- Some protein shakes
- Whole grains
- Dried fruit
- Garlic cloves
Phosphorus supplementation
Phosphate supplementation can be administered orally or intravenously depending on how low are the phosphorus levels.
- According to a national survey conducted in the United States, multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplements contributed an average of 108 mg to daily phosphorus intake.
- Hypophosphatemia caused by hereditary disorders is treated with sodium phosphate and potassium phosphate salts.
- As calcium supplements, calcium phosphate salts are occasionally used.
- Commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medications contribute to phosphorus intakes at yet-to-be-determined levels.
- Only a few medications are specifically prescribed for low blood phosphate levels. The treatment for the low blood phosphate levels is to identify the underlying cause and treat it.
- Electrolytes: If a person’s phosphorous level is low, their doctor may recommend magnesium or vitamin D supplements. If blood calcium levels are high, they may be prescribed medication to lower them.
- A few drugs can prevent phosphorus absorption. A person should make sure the doctor is aware of any other medications they are taking (including over-the-counter vitamins or herbal remedies).
- A person should remind the doctor if they have a history of diabetes, liver, kidney, or heart disease, which may be an indirect cause of low phosphorus levels.
Phosphorus is a mineral that is required by every cell in the body to function normally. Bones and teeth contain approximately 85 percent of the phosphorus in the body.
What are the symptoms of low phosphorus levels?
Phosphorus is an important mineral.
- It works with calcium to help the body build strong bones and teeth.
- It aids in the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells.
Phosphorus deficiency is a condition in which phosphorus is insufficient or is not properly utilized.
11 most obvious symptoms of low phosphorous levels
- Weak bones, broken bones, and fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Changes in appetite
- Joint and muscle aches
- Trouble exercising
- Tooth decay
- Numbness and tingling
- Anxiety
- Weight loss or gain
- Stunted growth and other development problems
- Trouble concentrating
Low phosphate levels rarely cause hypophosphatemia symptoms. Rather, symptoms are usually caused by the underlying condition that causes hypophosphatemia.
Phosphate deficiency can lead to:
- Breathing difficulties
- Confusion
- Altered mental status
- Muscle weakness and muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis
What is the recommended daily phosphorus level?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a daily phosphorus intake that is dependent on age and gender.
- 0 to 6 months: 100 mg daily
- 7 to 12 months: 275 mg
- Ages 1 to 3 years: 420 mg
- Ages 4 to 8 years: 500 mg
- Ages 9 to 18 years: 1,250 mg
- Ages 19 to 50 years: 700 mg
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: 700 mg
For generally healthy adults, the tolerable upper intake level for phosphorus is 4,000 mg a day. However, daily phosphorus intake above the recommended dietary allowance has been linked to an increased risk of all-cause mortality in healthy people.
Dietary phosphorus deficiency is rare and usually only seen in cases of near-total starvation or rare inherited disorders involving renal phosphorus wasting.
Estimates of dietary phosphorus intake in the US population are likely to be inaccurate because phosphorus-based food additives used in processed foods are not always included in the nutrient content database used to compute nutrient intake.
