Low Phosphorus Foods List

Phosphorus is a major mineral involved in bone formation. Elevated phosphorus levels (also known as hyperphosphatemia) in the blood decreases the amount of calcium in the blood, which may lead to bone disease. This happens when kidney function is impaired because your kidneys help regulate blood phosphorus levels. Phosphorus is found in nearly every food, so eating a phosphorus-free diet is impossible. Choosing certain foods that are lower in phosphorus is possible.

Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as milk, ice cream, and cheese are high in phosphorus. Instead of cow's milk and other dairy products, choose unfortified rice milk or non-dairy creamer (for pouring into coffee or cereal). Avoid cream soups made with milk. Instead, choose broth-based soups. Sherbet, sorbet, or frozen fruit pops are low phosphorus choices for replacing ice cream. The only cheeses that are low in phosphorus (and may be consumed in limited amounts) include softer cheeses, such as Brie and cream cheese, as well as Parmesan cheese and Feta cheese. Sour cream, whipping cream, and half & half are low in phosphorus.

Whole Grains and Legumes

Avoid dried beans, peas, and lentils because they are phosphorus-rich. Whole grains are typically recommended over refined (white flour) products, such as bread, because they are more nutritious. They are also high in phosphorus. Avoid whole grain breads and cereals, and enriched breads, baking mix, muffins, and pancake/waffle mix. Low phosphorus foods in this group include refined (white) bread, crackers, and cereal, refined (white) dinner rolls, bagels, English muffins, Cream of wheat cereal, corn flakes, rice cereals, plain rice, popcorn and croissants.

Vegetables, Fruits, and Miscellaneous Foods

Vegetables that are low in phosphorus include green and wax beans, broccoli, beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, spinach and summer squash. All fruits are low in phosphorus. Organ meats, many varieties of fish, peanuts, chocolate, and cola soft drinks are all high in phosphorus. In place of these foods, try small amounts (3 oz.) of beef, pork, lamb, poultry, or eggs, popcorn in place of nuts, hard candy instead of chocolate and lemon-lime soda or ginger ale in place of cola.