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An essential macromineral and vital to adequate human nutrition, phosphorus plays a key part in the function and structure of the body. In its pentavalent phosphate form, phosphorus is central to the process of bone mineralization and structural makeup of bone. In fact, the phosphorous present in bone accounts for roughly 85% of all phosphorus found in the adult human body. In addition, phosphorus is included in the structure of nucleotides and nucleic acids (including adenosine triphosphate). And, the structure of cellular membranes is composed of phosphorus in its phospholipid form. It has been said that life is built upon phosphorus.
Mineralization of bone relies on cell ability to actively transport phosphate. Recent evidence suggests that expression of a particular gene, regulated by phosphate, may be involved in bone mineralization. Science has also discovered phosphate to be involved with regulating the expression of the phosphorylated glycoprotein osteopontin, which among other things, is thought to modulate hydroxyapatite crystal elongation.
Phosphorus Deficiency
Because the amount of phosphorus consumed as part of a regular diet is generally sufficient, deficiency problems are rare. However, it is possible for alcoholics and people who take large doses of antacids containing aluminum to develop a phosphorus deficiency. In addition, when looking at the relationship between calcium and phosphorus, both important for healthy bones, one study showed that the absorption of phosphorus can be negatively affected by taking calcium. The diets consumed by most individuals throughout the United States contain ample amounts of phosphorus. Still, elderly people who supplement their diets with large amounts of calcium may have an increased chance of becoming deficient in phosphorus. Because of this, those conducting the study recommend that elderly people take at least some of their calcium supplement in the form of tricalcium phosphate or other preparation containing phosphorus.
Dosage and Administration
Phosphorus comes in a variety of forms. For example: Potassium phosphate exists in the form of monobasic potassium phosphate (KH2PO4), dibasic potassium phosphate (K2HPO4), and tribasic potassium phosphate (K3PO4); and sodium phosphate appears as monobasic sodium phosphate (NaH2PO4), dibasic sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4) and tribasic sodium phosphate (Na3PO4). Some preparations even mix two or more of the forms together. Of the salts listed above, potassium phosphate and tribasic sodium are the most basic, while potassium phosphates and monobasic sodium are the least. Management of these salts under medical supervision should always be used when treating a phosphorus deficiency.
Most multi-vitamin/mineral supplements do not contain phosphorus, because, for most people, such supplementation is unwarranted.
Learn more about choosing and buying vitamin supplements online.
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