Phosphorus

Helps build and protect bones and teeth. Part of DNA and RNA. Helps convert food into energy. Part of phospholipids, which carry lipids in blood and help shuttle nutrients into and out of cells

Benefit

You need phosphorus to keep your bones strong and healthy, to help make energy, and to move your muscles.
In addition, phosphorus helps to:
• build strong bones and teeth
• filter out waste in your kidneys
• manage how your body stores and uses energy
• grow, maintain, and repair tissue and cells
• produce DNA and RNA — the body’s genetic building blocks
• balance and use vitamins such as vitamins B and D, as well as other minerals like iodine, magnesium, and zinc
• assist in muscle contraction
• maintain a regular heartbeat
• facilitate nerve conduction
• reduce muscle pain after exercise

Harm

Inadequate phosphorus intake rarely results in abnormally low serum phosphorus levels (hypophosphatemia) because renalreabsorption of phosphorus increases to compensate for decreased intake. The effects of moderate to severe hypophosphatemia may include loss of appetite, anemia, muscle weakness, bone pain, rickets (in children), osteomalacia (in adults), increased susceptibility to infection, numbness and tingling of the extremities, difficulty walking, and respiratory failure.