Phosphorus is so abundant in the human body and food sources that you would have to be suffering from starvation to develop a dietary deficiency, according to the book "Nutrition" by Paul Insel and other authors. Nevertheless, certain medical conditions can cause a lack of phosphorus in the bloodstream, which may need to be corrected with dietary supplements.
General Information
Phosphorus works in cooperation with calcium to help form strong bones and teeth. It is the second-most-common mineral in the body after calcium, and most of the phosphorus in the body is found in the bones and teeth. It is also necessary for cell repair, muscle recovery and vitamin and mineral balance. A severe phosphorus deficiency causes a condition known as hypophosphatemia. Excessive amounts of phosphorus is a more common problem, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, particularly in patients with kidney disorders.
Dietary Phosphorus
Diet-related phosphorus deficiency is very uncommon. This is because phosphorus is found in most foods. According to Medline Plus, if your diet contains enough calcium, it probably also contains enough phosphorus, since the two minerals are found in many of the same foods. The best sources of phosphorus are meat, milk and fish. Other foods that contain phosphorus include bread, cheese, eggs, seeds, nuts and even soft drinks. The phosphorus found in grains, nuts and seeds is less easily absorbed than other forms of phosphate.
Supplements
You probably don't need a phosphorus supplement. However, as noted by the Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute, your doctor may suggest taking a supplement if you suffer from hypophosphatemia, or low phosphorus in the bloodstream. This condition is usually related to diabetes, starvation, alcoholism or malabsorption syndromes like Crohn's disease. Do not take phosphorus supplements without your doctor's recommendation and supervision, as high amounts can cause serious health problems, like organ damage. Most multivitamins only contain about 15 percent of the daily value for phosphorus, so they are usually safe.
Deficiency and Excess
Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency include appetite loss, anxiety, bone pain, weak bones, stiff joints, irregular breathing, irritability, numbness and weight fluctuation. According to "Nutrition," high amounts of phosphorus in the diet are more common than deficiency. Too much phosphorus can lower calcium concentrations in the bloodstream, which may cause convulsions and muscle spasms. Long-term replacement of calcium-rich beverages like milk with soda, which contains high amounts of phosphorus and no calcium, may contribute to the development of osteoporosis later in life. For optimal health benefit, always balance your phosphorus intake with adequate calcium.
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