Supplements Vitamins & Minerals What Is Phosphorus? An Essential Mineral for Bone Health By James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD Dennis Sifris, MD, is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. James Myhre is an American journalist and HIV educator. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 02, 2022 Medically reviewed by Emily Dashiell, ND Medically reviewed by Emily Dashiell, ND Facebook LinkedIn Emily Dashiell, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor who has worked in group and private practice settings over the last 15 years. She is in private practice in Santa Monica, California. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Deficiency Side Effects Precautions Dosage If You Take Too Much Interactions Storing Frequently Asked Questions What to Look For Phosphorus is an essential mineral found in every cell of the human body. Like calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur, it is a macromineral. This means you need more of it than trace minerals like iron and zinc. The main purpose of phosphorus is to build and maintain bones and teeth. It also plays a major role in the formation of DNA and RNA (the genetic building blocks of the body). Additionally, phosphorus plays a key role in metabolism (the conversion of calories and oxygen to energy), muscle contraction, heart rhythm, and the transmission of nerve signals. This article explains how the body uses phosphorus and why many people take it to fight urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. It also discusses the possible side effects of too much phosphorus, how it interacts with medications, and how problems can be avoided by following the recommended dosage. Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily safe for all people or effective in general. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and to check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. Supplement Facts Active ingredient: PhosphorusAlternate names: Dipotassium phosphate, disodium phosphate, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserineLegal status: Available over the counterSuggested dose: 700 milligrams a day in adultsSafety considerations: Contraindicated in people with chronic kidney disease Verywell / JR Bee Uses of Phosphorus Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Next to calcium, phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body, accounting for about 1% of your total body weight. The bones and teeth contain about 85% of the body's total phosphorus. In the body, phosphorus exists as phosphate, which is a salt of phosphorus. This is partly why healthcare providers often use the terms "phosphorus" and "phosphate" interchangeably. Unlike certain micronutrients, the body cannot produce phosphorus on its own. You should get it from food first, especially meat, dairy, oily fish, and seeds. If your healthcare provider feels it's necessary, you can also take a phosphate supplement. Beyond the prevention or treatment of phosphorus deficiency, a phosphate supplement may offer specific health benefits, particularly in older adults and people prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinary Tract Infections Phosphate supplements are sometimes used to make urine more acidic. In the past, this was thought to help treat certain urinary tract infections or prevent the formation of kidney stones. More recent studies, however, suggest this may not be the case. According to a study in the Journal of Biochemical Chemistry, urine with a high pH/low acidity had stronger antimicrobial effects compared to urine with low pH/high acidity. However, UTIs are more common in females with abnormally high calcium (hypercalcemia). This is because increased urinary calcium promotes bacterial growth. Phosphate supplements may help reverse this risk by binding with free-circulating calcium and clearing it in the stool. UTIs Plague More Females Than Males There's an explanation for why urinary tract infections are more common in females: Their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum. This geography makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Similarly, kidney stones composed of calcium phosphate tend to develop when the urine pH is more than 7.2 (meaning it is alkaline). By lowering the pH and increasing the urine acidity, phosphate may able to prevent kidney stones in high-risk individuals. Note that this is not true of all stones. Kidney stones composed of calcium oxalate develop when the urine pH is less than 6.0 (meaning that it is acidic). Increasing the acidity with phosphate may only promote, rather than inhibit, their growth. Tips for Preventing Kidney Stones Osteoporosis With most of the body's phosphorus stored in bone, the rest freely circulates in the bloodstream for use in other biological functions. For example, phosphorus works with calcium to help build healthy bones and teeth. These minerals are converted into calcium phosphate salts that strengthen bones. Phosphorus also regulates how much calcium is in the body and how much is excreted in urine. This can prevent excess calcium from being deposited in the blood vessels. Excess calcium in the arteries can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In the past, there was a concern that consuming too much phosphorus could throw off this fine-tuned balance, drawing calcium from bone and increasing the risk of osteoporosis (bone mineral loss). A study published in the Nutrition Journal showed this wasn't the case. What Your Osteoporosis T-Score Says About Your Risk It's a delicate balance, but the school of public health at Harvard University says that "elevated phosphorus levels may disrupt the normal hormonal balance of phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D that regulates bone health." Phosphorus Deficiency Phosphate supplements are typically used to prevent a phosphorus deficiency, a condition considered rare in the United States outside of certain high-risk groups. What Causes a Phosphorus Deficiency? Phosphorus deficiency is usually seen only in chronic alcoholics and: People in intensive care units People who have been involved in a major trauma, such as a severe burn People who have sepsis, a life-threatening response to an infection Low phosphorus can also affect people with certain diseases or medical conditions, including: Cushing's disease Hypothyroidism Parathyroid disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Vitamin D deficiency Malnutrition A deficiency of phosphorus is usually accompanied by hypophosphatemia, or low blood phosphate levels, which can affect every organ system of the body and may lead to: Muscle weakness Bone pain Fractures Seizures Respiratory failure Hypophosphatemia may also be caused by the overuse of diuretics (water pills) or phosphate-lowering drugs used during kidney dialysis. What Is Hypophosphatemia? How Do I Know If I Have a Phosphorus Deficiency? Phosphorus deficiencies are rare and need to be properly identified and diagnosed by a health care provider through blood and urine testing. There are some identifying factors that may signify a deficiency, however. Signs and symptoms may include: AnemiaBone painConfusionCoordination problemsGreater risk of infection A long-term phosphorous deficiency may lead to severe health problems, including: Rickets, which can cause pain and muscle weakness and delayed growth in children Osteomalacia, a softening of the bones How to Increase Phosphate Levels What Are the Side Effects of Phosphate? Phosphate supplements are considered safe if taken as prescribed. Taking any supplement, however, may have potential side effects. These side effects may be common or severe. Common Side Effects Nausea and vomitingDiarrheaStomach pain or upsetIncreased thirstBone, joint, or muscle pain Severe Side Effects Allergies to phosphate are rare, but it's still important to call your provider or seek emergency care if you experience any of the following after taking a phosphate supplement: RashHivesShortness of breathRapid heartbeatSwelling of the face, throat, or tongue These could be signs of a potentially life-threatening, whole-body reaction known as anaphylaxis. Precautions People with chronic kidney disease may need to avoid phosphate supplements. Since the kidneys are less able to clear phosphate from the body, the mineral may accumulate and lead to hyperphosphatemia (excessively high phosphorus levels). Symptoms may include: RashItchingMuscle crampsSpasmsBone or joint painNumbness and tingling around the mouth Excess phosphorus can also affect urine acidity and lead to the dislodgement of a previously undiagnosed kidney stone. Outside of severe kidney dysfunction, hyperphosphatemia is very rare. It is more associated with the failure to clear phosphorus from the body rather than with the use of phosphate supplements. Dosage: How Much Phosphorus Should I Take? Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. Phosphorus doses tend to range from 50 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg. According to the Institute of Medicine, the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of phosphorus from all sources varies by age and pregnancy status, as follows: Children birth to 6 months old: 100 milligrams per day (mg/day)Children 7 to 12 months: 275 mg/dayChildren 1 to 3 years: 460 mg/dayChildren 4 to 8 years: 500 mg/dayAdolescents and teens 9 to 18 years: 1,250 mg/dayAdults over 18: 700 mg/dayPregnant or lactating women 18 and under: 1,250 mg/dayPregnant or lactating women over 18: 700 mg/day Injectable phosphate is sometimes used to treat severe hypophosphatemia. Injections are generally indicated when the blood phosphorus level drops below 0.4 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). The normal range is 0.87 to 1.52 mmol/L. Phosphate injections are only given in a healthcare setting under the direction of a qualified specialist. What Happens If I Take Too Much Phosphorus? High doses of phosphorus (more than 1,000 milligrams per day) can lead to side effects such as: HeadachesDizzinessShortness of breathSwelling in the lower legs or feetUnusual tiredness or weakness Call your healthcare if you experience any of these side effects. Phosphorus doses exceeding 3,000 to 3,500 mg/day are generally considered excessive and may adversely affect the balance of macro and trace minerals in your blood. A "Multi Approach" May Be Better An excessive intake of phosphate may interfere with the body's ability to use iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. As a result, phosphate is rarely taken on its own but as part of a multivitamin/mineral supplement. Interactions Phosphate may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications. Certain drugs may cause decreases in phosphorus levels in the blood, including: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like Lotensin (benazepril), Capoten (captopril), or Vasotec (enalapril) Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium Anticonvulsants like phenobarbital or Tegretol (carbamazepine) Cholesterol-lowering drugs like Questran (cholestyramine) or Colestid (colestipol) Diuretics like Hydrodiuril (hydrochlorothiazide) or Lasix (furosemide) Insulin Other drugs may cause phosphorus levels to rise excessively, including: Corticosteroids like prednisone or Medrol (methylprednisolone)Potassium supplementsPotassium-sparing diuretics like Aldactone (spironolactone) and Dyrenium (triamterene) If you're being treated with any of these medications, you should not take phosphate supplements without first speaking with your healthcare provider. In some cases, separating the drug doses by two to four hours may help avoid the interaction. In others, a dose adjustment or drug substitution may be needed. Diuretic Medications for Hypertension and Low Potassium How to Store Phosphorus Phosphate supplements are vulnerable to extreme heat, humidity, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It's always best to store the supplements in their original light-resistant container in a cool, dry room. Throw away supplements that are discolored or deteriorating, no matter what the "use by" date says. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a phosphorus supplement? Most people get all the phosphorus they need from their diet. Unless you have a medical condition that requires supplementation, like alcoholism or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you would be better off eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in macro and trace nutrients. How would I know if I have high phosphorus levels? In all likelihood, your healthcare provider would diagnose it. Often, high phosphorus is a sign of kidney damage or disease. Whereas healthy kidneys balance phosphorus in your body by removing extra levels from the blood, kidney disease often prevents this elimination from occurring. Sources of Phosphorus and What to Look For Most people can get the phosphorous they need from dietary sources. People with certain medical conditions may also need to take phosphate supplements. If you have a phosphorous deficiency, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan for your condition. Food Sources of Phosphorus Foods that are especially rich in phosphorus include: Pumpkin or squash seeds: 676 mg per 1/4-cup servingCanned sardines in oil: 363 mg per 2.5-ounce servingCottage cheese: 358 mg per 1-cup servingSunflower sees: 343 mg per 1/4-cup servingHard cheese (such as Parmesan): 302 mg per 1.5-ounce servingMilk: 272 mg per 1-cup servingLentils (cooked): 264 mg per 3/4-cup servingCanned salmon: 247 mg per 2.5-ounce servingYogurt: 247 mg per 3/4-cup servingPork: 221 mg per 2.5-ounce servingTofu: 204 mg per 3/4-cup servingBeef: 180 mg per 2.5-ounce servingChicken: 163 mg per 2.5-ounce servingEggs: 157 mg per two eggsCanned tuna in water: 104 mg per 2.5-ounce serving Phosphorus Supplements Phosphate supplements are available in tablet or capsule form under various brand names. Phosphate is also included in many multivitamin/mineral supplements as well as in co-formulated supplements designed specifically for bone health. Dietary supplements are not subject to the rigorous testing and research that the FDA requires of pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore, the quality can vary, and sometimes significantly. Several groups are trying to fill this space, including ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). USP, a nonprofit, has set standards for supplements that Consumer Reports says are the most widely accepted. USP publishes the Dietary Supplements Compendium, an online, subscription-based database which provides quality standards for the production of dietary supplements. Supplements that pass USP's quality requirements are awarded a distinction called the USP Verified Mark. Summary Phosphorus is an essential mineral found in every cell of the human body. It is the second most abundant mineral next to calcium. Its primary function is to build and maintain bones and teeth. Your body needs phosphorus to function properly. Many people take it to help treat urinary tract infections or prevent kidney stones and prevent osteoporosis. However, as with other supplements, phosphorus remains a subject under active study. Some studies have confirmed its effectiveness, while others have produced ambivalent findings. One thing is clear: since the body cannot produce phosphorus on its own, you should get it from food first, especially meat, dairy, oily fish, and seeds. If necessary, a dietary supplement can be taken. A Word From Verywell You may be worried that your phosphorus level is higher than normal (hyperphosphatemia) or lower than normal (hypophosphatemia). The only way to be certain is to take a phosphorus blood test, which measures the amount of phosphate in the blood. Your healthcare provider may ask you to abstain from taking antacids, laxatives, and water pills before the test, lest they interfere with accurate results. A normal result for an adult usually ranges from 2.8 to 4.5 mg/dL. 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institutes of Health. Phosphorus. Shields-Cutler R, Crowley J, Hung, C, et al. Human urinary composition controls antibacterial activity of siderocalin. J Biol Chem. 2015;290:15949-60. doi:10.1074/jbc.M115.645812 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Urinary tract infection. Lee A, Cho S. Association between phosphorus intake and bone health in the NHANES population. Nutrition J. 2015;14:28. doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0017-0 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Harvard University. Phosphorus. Håglin L. Using phosphate supplementation to reverse hypophosphatemia and phosphate depletion in neurological disease and disturbance. Nutr Neurosci. 2016;19(5):213-23. doi:10.1179/1476830515Y.0000000024 National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Fact sheet for consumers. American Kidney Fund. High phosphorus. Consumer Reports. How to choose supplements wisely. U.S. Pharmacopeia. What is the U.S. Pharmacopeia? National Kidney Foundation. Phosphorus and your diet. Additional Reading Trautvetter U, Distcheid B, Jahreis, G. et al. Calcium and phosphate metabolism, blood lipids and intestinal sterols in human intervention studies using different sources of phosphate as supplements—Pooled results and literature search. Nutrients. 2018;10(7):936. doi:10.3390/nu10070936 By James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD Dennis Sifris, MD, is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. James Myhre is an American journalist and HIV educator. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit