Phosphorus is a mineral that is used by nearly every cell in the body. It is found in nearly every food, including foods that are high in carbohydrates. Some foods are higher in phosphorus than are others. Most often, foods that have more protein also have more phosphorus. If you have concerns about monitoring the amount of phosphorus you are eating, please consult your health care provider.
Foods High in Carbs and Phosphorus
Some high-carbohydrate foods have high amounts of phosphorus as well. These foods include carbohydrates in the dairy group, including milk, yogurt, pudding and ice cream. Milk- or cream-based soups also have high levels. Whole grains, including breads, cereals, pasta and crackers, are high in phosphorus as well. Legumes, including black beans, kidney beans, lentils, garbanzo beans and lima beans, contain elevated levels of phosphorus. Other starchy foods that are high in phosphorus include corn, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and parsnips. Vegetables that are lower in carbohydrates but still high in phosphorus include broccoli, artichokes, asparagus, mushrooms and pea pods. Other carbohydrates, especially dark colas and chocolate, contain a lot of phosphorus too.
High-Carb Foods that are Low in Phosphorus
High-carbohydrate foods can also fall into the low-phosphorus category. Fruit is low in phosphorus. High-carbohydrate foods that are made from refined grains, such as white breads, white pasta and cereals made from bleached, enriched white flour, are also usually lower in phosphorus. In the vegetable group, choices such as green beans, wax beans, cabbage, beets, celery and cucumbers would be appropriate if you were trying to limit your phosphorus intake. High-carbohydrate snacks such as gum drops, jelly beans and hard candies also have lower levels of phosphorus. Clear sodas, even though just as high in carbohydrates, would be better choices for a low phosphorus diet than would be their dark counterparts.
Recommended Daily Allowance
The amount of phosphorus varies in food, just as the amount of carbohydrates varies. The adequate intake for phosphorus is 100 mg/day for infants ages 0 to 6 months. It increases to 275 mg/day for infants 7 to 12 months. At age 1, the recommended daily allowance is 460 mg/day. The amount of recommended phosphorus increases to 500 mg/day at age 4. For adolescents the number is much higher. Children and teens ages 9 to 18 have a recommended daily allowance of 1,250 mg/day. After the age of 18, the RDA for all adults decreases to 700 mg/day.
Limiting your Phosphorus Intake
Some people, especially those with chronic kidney disease or who are on dialysis, will need to restrict their intake of phosphorus. If you have been told to limit your phosphorus, work with your health care provider to determine an appropriate amount. You may need to have frequent blood work completed and adjust your phosphorus intake to maintain health.
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