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Phosphorus, though essential, is plentiful in food
Phosphorus is an essential mineral required by nearly every cell in the body. Eighty-five percent of the phosphorus in the body is found in bone. It is so common in food that deficiency is rare. The RDA for adults is 700 mg per day which should be easily provided by a normal diet. The tolerable upper intake for adults is 4 grams per day (3 grams for adults over 70). Normally seniors needn’t worry about phosphorus but there are situations where it may be important.
When should you worry about insufficient phosphorus?
Two circumstances contribute to loss of phosphorus and may suggest consideration for supplementation. The first is consumption of large quantities of fructose such as food containing high fructose corn syrup for example soft drinks. Since the health risks from high fructose corn syrup are well known, you should be avoiding foods that contain it. Recent studies have proven the dangers especially for seniors concerned about healthy aging. This can contribute to a loss of phosphorus especially with a diet that is low in magnesium. The second is when antacids containing aluminum are used frequently. The aluminum can combine with dietary phosphorus to form aluminum phosphate which is unabsorbable. Seniors, especially should beware of antacid drugs.
