Although your body needs phosphorus to properly function, excessive levels cause adverse effects such as itching, the National Kidney Foundation says. Your kidneys usually help to regulate the levels of phosphorus in your body. However, eating a diet high in phosphorus is potentially harmful to your kidneys, according to a study published in a 2008 issue of “Archives of Internal Medicine.” Impaired kidney function also makes it more difficult for your body to keep phosphorus levels within normal levels.
Phosphate and Phosphorus
Composed of phosphorus and minerals such as potassium, sodium and calcium, phosphate salts are one way of obtaining dietary phosphorus, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes. Some examples of foods high in phosphate include dairy products, whole grain cereals and nuts. Phosphate is also contained in beverages like colas. Being aware of the phosphate content of your food and beverages will help you more effectively regulate your dietary phosphorus intake and help you to protect your kidneys from injury.
Sodium Phosphate Drugs and Renal Function
Oral sodium phosphate solutions are used as cleansing agents for colonoscopies. Despite being used as part of a medical procedure, oral sodium phosphate solutions, or OSPS, are potentially harmful to your kidneys, according to a study at Texas A & M University published in a 2008 issue of the “Archives of Internal Medicine.” The results of the study showed that the potential of OSPS for causing chronic kidney damage was affected by factors such as age and the presence of diabetes. The study’s findings suggest that the use of such medications on the elderly should be discouraged because their risk of sustaining kidney damage from OSPS exposure is high. However, more research is necessary to better understand the factors that affect kidney damage risk and the use of medications containing phosphorus.
Low Phosphorus Diet and Kidney Disease
People with kidney disease must limit their phosphorus intake to between 800 and 1,000 milligrams daily, MayoClinic.com says. The recommended daily phosphorus intake for healthy adults is twice that range. One way of regulating your dietary phosphorus intake is to eat a low phosphorus diet. Instead of eating whole grain breads and cereals, opt to eat refined grains like white bread and crackers. Substitute broccoli and spinach with cabbage, lettuce or eggplant. If you insist on drinking sodas, choose ginger ale or lemon-lime soda instead of cola.
Other Adverse Effects of Phosphorus
Regular long-term intake of phosphorus via phosphate salts results in adverse effects like stomach upset, diarrhea and constipation, MedlinePlus explains. If you are taking medications that contain phosphorus, never take more than 3 to 4 grams daily to avoid side effects.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Effect of Oral Sodium Phosphate Drug Products On Renal Function in Adults Undergoing Bowel Endoscopy; Khurana A, et al.; March 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Low-Phosphorus Diet: Best for Kidney Disease; Erik P. Castle, M.D.; August 2010
- MedlinePlus; Injury - Kidney and Ureter; David C. Dugdale; September 2010
- MedlinePlus; Phosphate Salts; November 2010
- National Kidney Foundation: Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease
