Phosphorus makes up approximately 1 percent of your total body weight. Phosphorus, which is found in teeth and bones, is central to the production of ATP, the molecule that fuels the biochemical reactions that make life possible. Working with vitamin D and the B vitamins, phosphorus is involved in everything from muscle contraction, nerve conduction and protein synthesis.
High Phosphorus Levels
Patients with advanced kidney disease are routinely monitored because their kidneys no longer filter blood as effectively as healthy kidneys. As kidney failure -- also known as renal failure -- approaches, levels of phosphorus can start to creep up to unhealthy levels because damaged kidneys no longer remove excess phosphorus from the blood. If this occurs to you, your nephrologist may refer you to a renal dietitian to discuss phosphorus restriction. Patients should never undertake phosphorus restriction without guidance from a nephrologist.
Phosphorus and Bone
Bone density, which changes throughout your life, is governed by genetics, calcium intake, age, and phosphorus. In patients approaching renal failure, abnormally high levels of phosphorus in the blood pull calcium out of bones, leaving them with a weakened skeleton that is vulnerable to fractures. Two signs this is happening are high levels of serum phosphorus and high parathyroid hormones.
Phosphorus Restriction
Limiting dietary phosphorus is difficult because this mineral is ubiquitous in the food supply. If your nephrologist recommends phosphorus restriction, he will give you tell you how much dietary phosphorus you can safely consume. This information is based on your lab test values. Most patients with high phosphorus levels are advised to limit their consumption of dairy products, beer, chocolate, colas and legumes.
Phosphorus Binders
In addition to dietary restriction, nephrologists often prescribe some type of phosphorus binder, a type of drug that captures phosphorus in the blood stream before it can do any damage. Phosphorus binders are often found in over-the-counter calcium carbonate products. If these do not help, prescription products are often used to control this problem.
