Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is mostly held within our bones and, to a smaller amount, in our soft tissues (the tissues surrounding our organs). We need it to make energy and it also keeps other parts of our body healthy by repairing tissue and filtering waste (1). We included it in Future Proof for it’s on-going benefits for maintaining a healthy body.

In our diet, we can get phosphorus from dairy products, like milk, cheese and yogurt. It’s also available in meat from chicken and fish and is present in some beans, nuts, and seeds. Our bodies need a lot of phosphorus, but many people living in the U.S. get enough through their diet (2).

Works with calcium to maintain healthy bones

Getting the right amount of phosphorus is critical for our bone health. It helps maintain bone mineral density, which can protect against fragility in our bones as we age (3). In our body, 80 percent of the phosphorus is stored within our bones and teeth. Phosphorus and calcium levels in our body are dependent on each other. If we have too little phosphorus, then our bones begin releasing stored calcium (4). This can cause weakened bones and possibly lead to kidney stones or heart issues. We included phosphorus in our supplement for its role in maintaining healthy bones.

Helps fuel your body’s cells

Each of our cells need energy, and phosphorus helps supply the fuel. There is a compound in our body called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It’s an energy source responsible for muscle movement, nerve impulses, and making chemicals our body needs. Phosphorous is a primary component for creating ATP, which makes it a key energy source for our whole body.

Phosphorous is widely available in a number of foods

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of phosphorus for adults is 700 milligrams (mg). In Future Proof, we include 170 mg. We use di-calcium phosphate anhydrous, which is derived from phosphonours and is easy for your body to absorb. Maintaining phosphorus levels in our body is important, but it is relatively easy to find in our diet.

Phosphorus is generally safe for people who do not have kidney problems (as our kidneys remove extra phosphorus from our bodies). Too much phosphorus causes stomach problems, fatigue, or joint pain. In excessive amounts, it can lead to heart disease and other medical complications, like hardening of organs.

Disclaimer: It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you take any type of supplement. And if you experience any negative side effects when you are taking one, contact a healthcare expert immediately.

References

1. Dietary phosphorus in bone health and quality of life - Retrieved from Oxford Academic
2. Effects of Excessive Dietary Phosphorus Intake on Bone Health - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. Association between phosphorus intake and bone health in the NHANES population - Retrieved from Science Direct
4. Dietary phosphorus in bone health and quality of life - Retrieved from Oxford Academic
5. Effects of Excessive Dietary Phosphorus Intake on Bone Health - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information