University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Food Science and Human Nutrition Program and Human Nutrition Program

Phosphorus’s Functional Role

Phosphorus is present in our bodies as part of a chemical group called a phosphate group. These phosphate groups are essential as a structural component of cell membranes (as phospholipids), DNA and RNA, energy production (ATP), and regulation of acid-base homeostasis. Phosphorus however is mostly associated with calcium as a part of the mineral structure of bones and teeth.  Blood phosphorus levels are not controlled as strictly as calcium so the PTH stimulates renal excretion of phosphate so that it does not accumulate to toxic levels.

Dietary Reference Intakes for Phosphorus

In comparison to calcium, most Americans are not at risk for having a phosphate deficiency. Phosphate is present in many foods popular in the American diet including meat, fish, dairy products, processed foods, and beverages. Phosphate is added to many foods because it acts as an emulsifying agent, prevents clumping, improves texture and taste, and extends shelf-life. The average intake of phosphorus in US adults ranges between 1,000 and 1,500 milligrams per day, well above the RDA of 700 milligrams per day. The UL set for phosphorous is 4,000 milligrams per day for adults and 3,000 milligrams per day for people over age seventy.

Table 10.3 Dietary Reference Intakes for Phosphorus

Age Group RDA (mg/day) UL (mg/day)
Infants (0–6 months) 100*
Infants (6–12 months) 275*
Children (1–3 years) 460 3,000
Children (4–8 years) 500 3,000
Children (9–13 years) 1,250 4,000
Adolescents (14–18 years) 1,250 4,000
Adults (19–70 years) 700 4,000
Adults (> 70 years) 700 3,000
* denotes Adequate Intake

Micronutrient Information Center: Phosphorus. Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/phosphorus. Updated in July 2013. Accessed October 22, 2017.

Dietary Sources of Phosphorus

Table 10.4 Phosphorus Content of Various Foods

Foods Serving Phosphorus (mg) Percent Daily Value 1000
Salmon 3 oz. 315 32
Yogurt, nonfat 8 oz. 306 31
Turkey, light meat 3 oz. 217 22
Chicken, light meat 3 oz. 135 14
Beef 3 oz. 179 18
Lentils* ½ c. 178 18
Almonds* 1 oz. 136 14
Mozzarella 1 oz. 131 13
Peanuts* 1 oz. 108 11
Whole wheat bread 1 slice 68 7
Egg 1 large 86 9
Carbonated cola drink 12 oz. 41 4
Bread, enriched 1 slice 25 3

Micronutrient Information Center: Phosphorus. Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/phosphorus. Updated in July 2013. Accessed October 22, 2017.


Learning Activities

Technology Note: The second edition of the Human Nutrition Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook features interactive learning activities.  These activities are available in the web-based textbook and not available in the downloadable versions (EPUB, Digital PDF, Print_PDF, or Open Document).

Learning activities may be used across various mobile devices, however, for the best user experience it is strongly recommended that users complete these activities using a desktop or laptop computer and in Google Chrome.

 

 

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