Phosphorous is a key nutrient essential to human health; it is found in every cell in your body. Phosphorous deficiencies arise when people do not get enough of the mineral in their diet, resulting in a variety of adverse effects. Epilepsy, apart from those who have an extremely rare medical condition, is not generally associated with phosphorous deficiencies, and anyone with epilepsy or a nutritional deficiency should consult a doctor for medical advice.
Phosphorous
Phosphorous makes up about 1 percent of a person's body weight, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Phosphorous plays a key role in the body's ability to form bones and teeth, and also aids in the body's ability to use carbohydrates and fats, as well as in synthesizing proteins. Phosphorous is also important in maintaining a regular heartbeat, muscle contractions and proper kidney functions.
Phosphorous Deficiency
Phosphorous deficiency, also known as hypophosphatemia, is very rare because phosphorous is present in such a wide variety of foods. According to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute, phosphorous deficiencies are usually only found in people suffering from severe starvation. Common symptoms of the deficiency include anemia, muscle weakness, bone pain and rickets. Severe hypophosphatemia can be fatal.
Epilespy
Epilepsy is a medical condition in which the brain sends abnormal electrical surges, causing periodic and recurring seizures. According to MayoClinic.com, epilepsy's cause in about half of patients is unknown. However, epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic influences, head trauma, dementia, prenatal injuries and developmental disorders. Phosphorous deficiency is not recognized as a cause of the condition.
Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate-Dependent Epilepsy
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent epilepsy is an exceptionally rare medical condition in which seizures develop soon after birth or even before, according to Genetics Home Reference, a service of the National Institutes of Health. This condition is caused by a gene mutation that makes the body unable to convert vitamin B-6 found in food into the active version of vitamin B-6, known as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, or PLP. The condition has only been observed in 14 cases in scientific literature, and is not the same as phosphorous nutritional deficiency.
