Phosphorus

Phosphorus is most frequently present in the environment in the form of phosphates. it is the the second-highest widespread mineral in the human body. Phosphate is important in the human body as it supplies energy for the formation of DNA.

Phosphates are the most common type of phosphorus found in the environment.  It is majorly found in the teeth and bones. Phosphates are essential for human health as they give energy and are incorporated into DNA.

The body contains 30% inorganic phosphate, which is a salt of phosphoric acid, and 70% of the organic form of phosphorus, which is accessible as phosphate in the blood.

Teeth, soft tissues, bodily fluids, and bones all contain inorganic phosphate. Coenzymes, phospholipids, ATP, and ADP are examples of substances that include organic phosphate.

Functions of Phosphorus

It functions as a co-enzyme

It is necessary for the metabolism of fat, carbs, and protein. The type of energy left behind after the breakdown of macronutrients is called ATP, or phosphate. Transport happens when various nutrients attach to the phosphate group, absorb, and then move throughout the body.

Vital component of bone and teeth

It helps to mineralize bone and teeth by coexisting with calcium crystals in these tissues.

Formation of different biological compounds

Creation of several biological substances, lipoproteins, which are involved in the metabolism of fat, are found in phosphorus. Moreover, the human body has a number of materials, such as lecithin and cephalin, that are essential to the synthesis of new cells.

Regulation of acid base balance in the body

It is a part of buffer salts, which keep the acid-base balance of the body in check. Phosphorus-containing compounds regulate the pH of body fluids.

Food Sources

The body will get the phosphorus it needs from the same food that provides it with enough calcium and proteins. It is commonly utilized in many different recipes allover in the world.

Rich sources of it include foods like whole grains, nuts and oil seeds, meat, poultry, fish, and milk and milk products. It is  added to a lot of soft drinks and processed meals. Despite having a high phosphorus concentration, these meals are not advised because of their high sugar content.

Recommended Dietary Allowances

The amount of phosphorus that one needs daily varies based on age and physical activity. The chart that follows displays values:

Deficiency of phosphorous

Deficiency of this mineral is encountered when combined with calcium. Indian food is mostly full of it. The body may make up for deficiencies in this mineral by reabsorbing what is already present in the circulation. That being said, hypophosphatemia can arise in circumstances of acute malnutrition. Older adults may be at risk for this insufficiency because of their reduced dietary consumption of phosphorus and calcium.

Hypophosphatemia causes deficits, which can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as celiac disease, weak bones, stiff joints, tiredness, erratic breathing, numbness, weakness, and changes in weight.

Excess of phosphorus in human body

The human body is at risk from high phosphorus levels. Unhealthy changes in the body brought on by excess phosphorus cause your bones to lose calcium, weakening them. The term “hyperphosphatemia” refers to an excess of phosphorus in the serum. This disorder often manifests as a distribution of calcium to phosphorus in the bone as a result of parathyroid gland failure.

Soft tissues such as the kidneys, muscles, and arteries develop mineralization as a result of an excess of phosphate in the bone.

High levels of phosphate in the body can cause a number of symptoms, including numbness and tingling in the mouth, muscular cramps, itchy skin, and discomfort in the bones and joints.

foods include high content pf phosphate are  processed cheeses and cheese spreads, frozen yoghurt, fast food, convenience meals, ice cream, and aerated beverages. Restrict the consumption of such foods to keep your body’s calcium to phosphorus ratio in a healthy range.