Phosphorus is an essential mineral, but it can interact with your body's balance and ability to use other minerals. Having too much phosphorus in your body can be quite hazardous to your health, and it is actually more dangerous than having a deficiency. Talk to your doctor about your phosphorus intake to make sure your levels are where they should be.
Function and Needs
Next to calcium, phosphorus is the most plentiful mineral in your body; roughly 1 percent of your totally body weight is made up of phosphorus. Your bones, teeth, muscles, tissues and cells all rely on phosphorus for maintenance, strength and repair. This mineral plays an essential role in the way your body stores energy, and it works alongside the B vitamins for many functions as well. For these reasons, meeting the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of phosphorus is important. Adults need 700 mg of the mineral each day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and your diet should provide you with an adequate amount.
Balance of Other Minerals
Phosphorus works closely with many other minerals, including iodine, magnesium, zinc and calcium. The balance of these minerals in your body depends on the amount of phosphorus you ingest, and ingesting too much or too little phosphorus can be hazardous to these balances. Calcium and phosphorus in particular have a direct correlation: The more phosphorous you consume, the greater your needs for calcium become. If you do not meet these needs, you can become deficient in calcium and even develop osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about achieving the right balance of phosphorus, calcium and other minerals to stay healthy.
Hazards of Too Much
It is more common for someone to have too much phosphorus in his body than not enough. You can overdose on the mineral by taking too many supplements or by having a disease that affects the way your body regulates its calcium levels. An overdose of phosphorus can be hazardous and result in side effects like diarrhea and the hardening of your organs and soft tissues, also known as calcification. For these reasons, you should only take phosphorus supplements under the direct supervision of your health-care provider and never exceed the RDA without getting her approval.
Hazards of a Deficiency
Though rare, a phosphorus deficiency can be hazardous, too. Symptoms of a deficiency include a loss of appetite, anxiety, painful or fragile bones, fatigue, breathing problems and fluctuations in your weight. This deficiency typically occurs in people with malabsorption conditions or other diseases or among those who take antacids or diuretics. Discuss your phosphorus levels with your physician if you have concerns, and do not increase your intake of the mineral without first getting his approval.
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