Phosphorus is a mineral that serves many functions in the human body. In addition to playing a major role in bone structure, phosphorus is a key component of cellular membranes as well as RNA and DNA. Phosphorus also aids in energy metabolism. Individuals with impaired kidney function may need to restrict dietary phosphorus by choosing low-phosphorus foods. While the exact amount varies, people on a low phosphorus diet are often limited to 800 to 1,000 mg per day, according to MayoClinic.com.
Meat, Fish and Eggs
Lean beef, such as top sirloin or eye of round, is fairly low in phosphorus, providing on average 150 mg of phosphorus per 3 oz. serving. Beef, pork and chicken frankfurters are also appropriate choices, providing approximately 75 mg of phosphorus each. Most poultry, shellfish and fin fish are high in phosphorus, with a few exceptions. A 3 oz. portion of cooked orange roughy has 87 mg of phosphorus, while the same portion of pickled Atlantic herring has only 76. Lean lamb and pork are lower in phosphorus than chicken, and provide less than 200 mg per 3 oz. portion. Eggs and egg whites are also good choices for a low phosphorus diet, providing about 90 mg per serving.
Dairy Substitutes
Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt are high in phosphorus. MayoClinic.com recommends choosing low-phosphorus alternatives. For example, in place of cow's milk, try unfortified rice milk, non-dairy creamer or unfortified plain or vanilla soy milk. Unfortified soy milk is lower in phosphorus than cow's milk, offering 127 mg per cup. In place of ice cream or frozen yogurt, use all-fruit sorbet, ice pops or sherbet. Nearly all cheeses, with the exception of cream cheese, are too high in phosphorus for a low phosphorus diet.
Fruits and Vegetables
Nearly all varieties of plain fruits and fruit juices are low in phosphorus. Some examples of fruits you may enjoy include apricots, pineapple, avocado, cherries, fruit cocktail and grapefruit. Low-phosphorus vegetables include beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, summer squash, lettuce, eggplant, onions, peppers, green peas, green beans and wax beans. Most of these vegetables provide less than 70 mg of phosphorus per serving.
Starches and Grains
Some starchy vegetables, such as potato, rutabaga and winter squash, are low in phosphorus. When choosing bread, cereals, crackers, pasta or rice, refined or white-flour products are the best choice for a low-phosphorus diet. Dinner rolls, bagels, English muffins and croissants--all made from white flour--are also suitable. Most of these foods offer 35 to 75 mg phosphorus per serving. Avoid pancake, waffle and muffin mixes, as well as starchy beans like kidney and pinto beans.
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