Phosphorus
What exactly is phosphorus?
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Phosphorus, like potassium, is found in a variety of foods and is necessary for a variety of bodily activities. Phosphates are the form of phosphorus that you consume.
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When you're on dialysis, you'll need to watch your phosphorus intake (phosphates). Before commencing dialysis, you may need to start limiting phosphorus. If you need to start limiting phosphorus, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist.
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What does phosphorus do?
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Build bones and teeth
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Provides energy
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Comprises a part of DNA
High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia)
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How does too much phosphorous harm you?
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Makes bones brittle
Phosphorus depletes calcium in your bones, causing them to become weak and brittle.
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Raises blood pressure
Because calcium and phosphorus crystals restrict blood arteries, high phosphorus raises blood pressure.
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Causes calciphylaxis
Calciphylaxis is a condition caused by too much phosphorus in the body. Calciphylaxis is a skin disorder that causes painful sores that can become infected.
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Creates deposits in veins and organs
High phosphorus levels can cause a calcium and phosphorus complex to form and deposit in your veins and organs. This can result in the formation of bonelike crystals over time.
Phosphorus as an additive
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Because the body absorbs 100 percent of additional phosphorus, reading the label on food that comes in a box, bag, or jar is critical.
This is also why, if your doctor has recommended them, you should take your phosphate binders (medicines that restrict phosphate absorption) every time you eat.
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When looking for phosphorus on a food label, it can be tough to detect.
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To make buying easier the next time, look at the ingredient list for added phosphorous and develop a list of brands that don't have it.
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Look for phosphates or "phos" in the ingredient list to quickly discover extra phosphorus. Here are a few examples:
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Phosphoric acid
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Pyrophosphate polyphosphate
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Hexametaphosphate
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Dicalcium phosphate
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Ferric phosphate
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Sodium phosphate
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Monocalcium phosphate
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Aluminum phosphate
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Sodium polyphosphate
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Sodium tripolyphosphate
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Sodium polyphosphate
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Sodium tripolyphosphate
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Trisodium phosphate
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Tetrasodium phosphate
Low phosphorus (hypophosphatemia)
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A low phosphorus level is uncommon, although it can occur.
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If you have a low phosphorus level, it could be due to a lack of appetite and not eating enough, or you could be taking too many binders.
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Consult your doctor or a dietician for advice on how to maintain a healthy phosphorus level. Low phosphorus levels are usually accompanied by no symptoms.
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You may have respiratory failure, heart failure, seizures, and/or coma if your phosphorus level is extremely low (less than 1 mg/dL).