The second most abundant mineral in the human body next to calcium, phosphorus is present mostly in the form of PO4, or phosphate. As Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D. of the University of Maryland Medical Center, points out, elemental phosphorus is actually quite toxic, which is why phosphorus added to foods or supplements is in the form of a nontoxic inorganic phosphate. Phosphates perform functions including cell building, energy storage and bone health. The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance for children over 9 years old is 1,250 mg and for nonpregnant or breastfeeding adults is 700 mg. Before increasing your phosphate intake, consult with your doctor.
Cell and Tissue Building
One of the foundational structures of cell membranes is a group of lipids called phospholipids because they contain a phosphate group. This means phosphates are involved in cell and tissue building, growth and repair. Athletes sometimes take phosphate-based supplements before a workout or competition in order to keep down fatigue and muscle pain.
Energy
Adenosine triphosphate is the primary compound responsible for producing and storing energy in the cells. Energy production and storage are also dependent on creatine phosphate.
Bones
Nearly 85 percent of the phosphorous in the human body is contained in the bones as a calcium phosphate salt. But as the authors of a 2004 "Biofactors" report on phosphate function and regulation point out, while inorganic phosphate is necessary for bone mineralization, it is suspected, though not yet proven, that too many phosphates in the diet over the long term could be implicated in the aging and impairment of the skeletal structure. Sodium phosphate and potassium phosphate can also be used to bring down high calcium levels.
Nutrient Balance
Phosphates are involved in maintaining the balance of certain other vitamins, like Vitamin D, and minerals, like magnesium, zinc and iodine. Phosphorus is also involved in regulating calcium levels and doctors sometimes use phosphates to treat a condition called hypercalcemia involving high calcium in the blood.
Waste Management
Phosphates help filter waste from the kidneys and may help prevent certain kinds of kidney stones. Phosphates can also be used as laxatives, as they trigger the intestines to draw in more fluid and stimulate the stomach to expel its contents.
Catalyst
The nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, are composed of long chains of molecules containing phosphates. This means phosphates play an integral role in the storage and transmission of genetic information. Numerous hormones and enzymes require the introduction of a phosphate group for activation, such as the parathyroid hormone.
References
- University Of Maryland Medical Center; "Phosphorus"; Steven D. Ehrlich; Jun 2009
- "Biofactors"; The Regulation And Function Of Phosphate In The Human Body; E. Takeda, et al.; 2004
- Linus Pauling Institute At Oregon State University; "Phosphorus"; Victoria J. Drake, et al.; Aug 2007
- MedlinePlus; "Phosphate Salts"; Nov 2010
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