WHAT IS PHOSPHORUS?
The second most prevalent mineral in the human body after calcium, phosphorus, is crucial for several vital processes. It has a variety of functions that contribute to sustaining general health, from promoting tissue and cell repair to filtering waste materials. One of its main jobs is to help with waste material filtration so that the body can effectively get rid of pollutants and metabolic waste products. Furthermore, phosphorus plays a crucial role in the body’s continual maintenance and healing processes by helping to regenerate and repair tissues and cells.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PHOSPHORUS?
The following are some of the many important health advantages of phosphorus, a necessary mineral that the body cannot create and must be absorbed through dietary sources:
- Bone Health: Phosphorus is necessary for the growth and upkeep of strong bones and teeth. In close collaboration with calcium, it produces calcium phosphate salts, which make up the mineral framework of bones. The skeletal system is kept robust and durable by this cooperation. While calcium is frequently highlighted as being important for bone health, phosphorus also plays a significant role. This mineral’s presence makes it possible for calcium to be successfully absorbed into the bone matrix, giving the skeletal system strength and durability. In addition to helping bones form during growth, the interaction of calcium and phosphorus is essential for maintaining bone strength and density over the course of a person’s lifetime. In addition, phosphorus has a role in controlling the body’s calcium equilibrium. It also aids in preventing the calcification of excess calcium, a disease that can cause atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems, from building up in blood vessels. Phosphorus actively promotes heart and vascular function by aiding in the appropriate utilisation of calcium.
- Urinary Track Health: In the past, phosphate supplements were used to change the pH of urine and make it more acidic. This strategy was used to treat particular urinary tract infections (UTIs) or to stop kidney stones from forming. However, there has been ongoing research and discussion regarding the usefulness of phosphate supplements for these objectives. According to recent studies, urine with a higher pH (lower acidity) may have stronger antibacterial effects than urine with a lower pH. Despite this, phosphate supplements might still be useful in some circumstances. For instance, those who have hypercalcemia, a condition marked by excessive amounts of calcium in the urine, may be more prone to UTIs since the condition promotes enhanced bacterial growth. Phosphate supplements can be helpful in these circumstances because they bind to the extra calcium and facilitate its excretion through the stool. Due to the shorter length and greater closeness of their urethras to the rectum, females are more likely to develop UTIs, hence this process may be especially important for them.
- Prevention of Osteoporosis: The role of phosphorus in maintaining bone health also includes preventing osteoporosis, which is characterised by bone thinning and an increased risk of fractures. Although there had previously been worries that consuming too much phosphorus would leach calcium from bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis, research has disproved these beliefs. Instead, it has been shown that maintaining a good balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D is crucial for preserving strong bones without affecting bone mineral density. This equilibrium is essential to ensure that the hormones in charge of controlling bone health, such as calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, cooperate to sustain bone density and strength. Despite the importance of obtaining the proper ratio of essential nutrients, this delicate balance can be upset by consuming too much or too little of any one of them.
Although phosphorus shortage is uncommon in the United States, some high-risk populations can benefit from phosphate supplements to avoid it. It’s crucial to remember that the best way to guarantee the body gets all the phosphorus it needs is through a balanced diet, which should include foods like meat, dairy, fatty fish, and seeds. Before contemplating phosphate supplements, it is advised to speak with a healthcare professional to ascertain their need and proper application.
HOW DOES PHOSPHORUS WORK IN HUMAN BODY?
Phosphorus enters the body through dietary intake and plays a crucial role in a wide range of complex physiological processes. Our skeletal system’s strengthening is the main function of this substance. Phosphorus works closely with calcium to form the mineral matrix that makes up our bones and teeth, giving them the strength and stiffness that they need to provide structural support and protection. Our musculoskeletal system’s basis is made up of a pair of minerals that help us maintain good posture, engage in physical activity, and protect the integrity of our oral health.
The importance of phosphorus goes beyond its contribution to bone health. It appears to be a crucial component of the molecular machinery that supports life. It is a crucial component of the DNA and RNA that make up our cells’ genetic material, where it aids in encoding and protecting the genetic data necessary for both cellular processes and hereditary features. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a substance regarded as the currency of cellular energy, is another way that phosphorus occupies a prominent position in the cellular energy domain.
Energy is stored and transported by ATP, which powers a variety of cellular processes like muscle contractions, nerve signal transmission, and the creation of essential components like proteins and lipids. In addition to playing these crucial responsibilities, phosphorus supports the stability and integrity of these crucial cellular borders by helping cell membranes function. It also has an impact on metabolic processes, facilitating the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
However, it is important to keep the body’s phosphorus levels in balance because either an excess or a shortage can cause problems with the kidneys or bones. Thankfully, a balanced diet usually provides enough phosphorus from a variety of food sources, including dairy products, meat, fish, nuts, and whole grains, ensuring that these vital activities are sufficiently supported.
HOW MUCH PHOSPHORUS CAN A PERSON TAKE?
The Institute of Medicine offers detailed recommendations for the recommended daily intake (RDI) of phosphorus that are catered to various age groups and stages of life. These suggestions highlight the crucial part phosphorous plays in promoting general health and wellbeing. A daily dose of 100 milligrammes (mg) is advised for newborns between the ages of 0 and 6 months to support vital growth and development processes.
The phosphorus requirement for babies doubles to 275 mg per day between the ages of 7 and 12 months, reflecting the increased demands of their developing bodies. The recommended daily consumption for kids aged 1 to 8 years is between 460 mg and 500 mg, highlighting the significance of getting enough phosphorus during crucial stages of bone development and growth.
The highest phosphorus need is seen during adolescent and teenage years (9–18 years), with an RDI of 1,250 mg daily. Phosphorus is essential for maintaining healthy bone density and general development throughout this phase since it is characterised by rapid growth and bone maturation. It is recommended that adults over the age of 18 ingest 700 mg of phosphorus daily to support several metabolic processes and maintain bone health.
To preserve both maternal health and the best possible foetal development, pregnant or breastfeeding women should limit their phosphorus consumption to 1,250 mg or 700 mg daily, depending on their age. These recommendations are supported by substantial research and represent the significance of phosphorus for sustaining health, particularly in bone growth and a number of physiological processes. They are useful tools for ensuring a balanced and age-appropriate phosphorus intake.
WHAT ARE THE VARIATIONS OF PHOSPHORUS?
Note that PHOSPHORUS is also available as:
- Phosphoric (Orthohosphoric) Acid Anhydrous (~31% P)
- Phosphoric (Orthohosphoric) Acid Syrup 81.5% (~25% P)
- Phosphorus 1.25% Food State On Buckwheat (~1.25% P)
- Phosphorus 5% Food State On Yeast (~5% P)
- Phosphorus 5.0% Food State On Buckwheat (~5.0% P)
- Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic Nutrition Grade (~23% P)
PHOSPHORUS is commonly available in:
- Phosphorus tablets
- Phosphorus capsules
- Phosphorus powders
- Phosphorus effervescent tablets
Glentworth Formulations is here to suit your every need. Everything from Tablets, Capsules and Powder blends.
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