Phosphorus is a mineral found abundantly in the body and second only to calcium. Phosphorus is normally found in the body mostly as phosphate. Phosphate ions are critical for normal bone mineralization, and phosphate plays a vital role in a number of other biological processes such as signal transduction, nucleotide metabolism, and enzyme regulation. Phosphorus plays an important role in the transfer of energy to the key energy-storing molecules ATP and ADP. Like calcium, phosphorus is an important element in the bones of vertebrate animals (although too much phosphorus can lead to calcium loss).

Phosphorus and bone
Bone mineral consists of calcium phosphate, and phosphorus is as important as calcium in supporting bone augmentation and maintenance. Although typical adult diets contain abundant phosphorus, 10% of older women have intakes of less than 70% of the recommended daily allowance. When these women take high-dose calcium supplements that consist of the carbonate or citrate salts, all their food phosphorus may be bound and hence unavailable for absorption. Current-generation anabolic agents for treating osteoporosis require positive phosphorus balances of up to 90 mg/d.

Phosphorus and blood pressure
Dietary Phosphorus and Blood Pressure. International Study of Macro- and Micro-Nutrients and Blood Pressure.
Hypertension. 2008 Feb. NTERMAP Cooperative Research Group.
Our results indicate the potential for increased phosphorus / mineral intake to lower blood pressure as part of the recommendations for healthier eating patterns for the prevention and control of prehypertension and hypertension.

Phosphorus in food
In a survey in the United States and in Japan, the amount of phosphorus from food is gradually increasing. It is thought that excess amounts of phosphorus intake for long periods are a strong factor in bone impairment and ageing. Phosphorus is found in most foods because it is a critical component of all living organisms. Dairy products, meat, and fish are particularly rich sources of phosphorus. Phosphorus is also a component of many polyphosphate food additives, and is present in most soft drinks as phosphoric acid.

Phosphorus level and heart disease
Higher levels of phosphorus are associated with increased heart-related deaths in patients with chronic kidney disease or prior heart disease. Archives of Internal Medicine, May 14, 2007.

Phosphorus Metabolism
Inorganic phosphate is required for cellular function and skeletal mineralization. Serum phosphorus level is maintained within a narrow range through a complex interplay between intestinal absorption, exchange with intracellular and bone storage pools, and renal tubular reabsorption. Phosphorus is abundant in the diet, and intestinal absorption of phosphate is efficient and minimally regulated. The kidney is a major regulator of phosphate homeostasis and can increase or decrease its phosphate reabsorptive capacity to accommodate phosphorus need. The crucial regulated step in phosphorus homeostasis is the transport of phosphorus across the renal proximal tubule.

Element Phosphorus use in Industry
The most important commercial use of phosphorus is in the production of fertilizers. Phosphrus is also widely used in explosives, friction matches, fireworks, pesticides, toothpaste, and detergents.

White phosphorus
White phosphorus has been used commonly by the military as an incendiary agent or as an igniter for munitions. It commonly is found in hand grenades, mortar and artillery rounds, and smoke bombs.

Red phosphorus
Red phosphorus is used in the manufacture of safety matches, pesticides, incendiary shells, smoke bombs and tracer pellets.

Cheddar cheese phosphorus
Natural Cheddar cheese contains about half as much sodium (salt) and phosphorus as process American cheese, but slightly more calories, fat, protein and calcium.

Phosphorus cycle
The phosphorus cycle is unique among the major biogeochemical cycles in that it does not include a gas phase, although small amounts of phosphoric acid may make their way into the atmosphere, contributing in some cases to acidic precipitation. The water, carbon, and sulfur cycles all include at least one phase in which the element is in its gaseous state. The largest reservoir of phosphorus is in sedimentary rock.

Phosphorus supplement emails
Q. Why don't multivitamin products, in general, contain phosphorous? I have seen it included only on rare occasions, usually in a powdered form, and it is very expensive. I understand that this important mineral is vital in bone development. I was once prescribed a homeopathic remedy that was basically a form of phosphorous, and a side benefit appeared to be joint pain relief. However, the effect of the remedy was only temporary. Can phosphorous be effective for arthritis / joint / bone problems?
   A. Most Americans consume plenty of phosphorus. Phosphorus, in combination with calcium, is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also involved in the metabolism of fat, carbohydrate and protein. Phosphorus is very widely distributed in both plant and animal foods. Because of its widespread occurrence, phosphorus deficiency is rare and thus there is no need to add phosphorus to a multivitamin supplement product.