Phosphate is a chemical salt of phosphoric acid. Phosphorus is essential to cellular functions in your body, but approximately 85 percent is present in your bones in the form of phosphate, according to Colorado State University. Phosphate and calcium together comprise the predominant components of your bones.
Bone Health
Phosphate and calcium interact to create dense bone mineral, which is important for growth and development. Calcium and phosphorus must be in balance for good bone health; otherwise, your bones can weaken and lead to other biochemical problems in your body. An approximate ratio of calcium to phosphate of 2-to-1 is the measured balance in healthy human bone, according to a study published in the summer 2003 issue of "Biological Trace Element Research."
Bone Repair
Phosphate, being a natural part of bone, can be used to help repair cervical disc injuries, according to a study published in the April 2011 issue of "Acta Orthopaedica Belgica." Phosphate-soaked bone marrow was used with a stand-alone cervical cage on 15 patients with single level cervical disc disease. Patients started to see improvements after six weeks and after six months all patients had fusion with no signs of cage extrusion. The study concluded that using phosphate for bone repair in cervical disc disease was effective in pain relief, fusion and overall functional outcomes for patients. Larger studies are needed to assess long-term results.
Sources of Phosphates
To maintain healthy bones, you need to get the proper amounts of calcium and phosphates in your diet. Phosphates are found in a variety of foods including milk, dairy products, eggs, beef, chicken, turkey, fish, grains, nuts and carbonated cola drinks. The phosphorus, also called phosphates, in seeds is in the form of phytic acid or phytate. Your body only has the enzymes to digest 50 percent of the phytic acid into phosphates. The highest usable source of phosphates comes from animal products. Phosphates are also available in over-the-counter phosphate salts, used to treat indigestion or other ailments, and sometimes in calcium supplements.
Excess Phosphates
Phosphate deficiency is rare, but high phosphate levels are increasing due to added amounts in soda and other commercially prepared foods. If your phosphate levels are high, calcitrol, or vitamin D, in your kidneys is reduced, causing your parathyroid gland to release higher amounts of parathyroid hormone. If your PTH levels remain high, it can lead to adverse effects on your bone mineral content, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
References
- National Institutes of Health; Phosphate Salts; November 2010
- Colorado State; Endocrine Control of Calcium and Phosphate Homeostasis; October 2003
- National Kidney Federation; Bones, Calcium, Phosphate and PTH in Kidney Failure; November 2010
- "Biological Trace Element Research"; Calcium, Phosphorus, Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio; M. Tzaphlidou; 2003
- "Acta Orthopaedica Belgica"; Early Results of One-Level Cervical Discectomy; S. Acharya; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Phosphorus
