Posted on January 8, 2008 in Latest News
What is phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a soft, non-metallic, non-luminous, and non-inflammable element. It is present in the body only in combination with other substances. It is a part of adenosine-di/tri-phosphates, which are energy transport systems in the cells.
Why it is essential?
Phosphorus is required by the body for bone and teeth formation. Calcium alone can’t build strong bones and tissues. New research shows calcium needs phosphorus to maximize its bone-strengthening benefits, and taking a lot of calcium supplements without enough phosphorus could be a waste of money.
Phosphorus in human body
An adult human body contains about 400-700 gm of phosphorous as phosphates, most of this occurs in bones and teeth. About two-thirds of it is found in chemical combination with calcium in the bones and teeth, and the rest in other tissues. The excess of iron, aluminum and magnesium can impede and block storage of phosphorus, making it ineffective.
External sources
The phosphorus is found in cereals, whole meat brad and flour, wheat germ, soyabeans, almonds and other nuts, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, grapes, citrus fruits, blackberries, cranberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelons. A large part of phosphorus present in vegetables foods occurs in combination with phytin and is available to the body only to the extent of 40-60 percent. The phosphorus present in animal foods like meat, eggs, and milk are absorbed to a greater extent.
Benefits
- Phosphorus allows proper digestion of riboflavin and niacin
- Phosphorus is essential for the formation of sounds bones, strong teeth, and healthy blood.
- Phosphorus is important for proper functioning of heart and kidney.
- Phosphorus provides fast relief in fracture of a bone, helps in healing process and halts loss of calcium due to injury.
- It is involved in the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, and liberates their energy at the rate demanded by the body.
Deficiency
Not getting enough phosphorus can contribute to anxiety, bone problems, fatigue, irregular breathing, irritability, numbness, skin sensitivity, stress, teeth weakness, tremors, weakness, worry, and weight changes. A phosphorus deficiency may cause loss of weight, slow growth, improper brain and nerve function.
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