 |
Close Window | ||||||||||||||||
| phosphorus | |||||||||||||||||
What is it? |
|||||||||||||||||
A
MINERAL as essential to the body as
CALCIUM or
IRON. Between 80 and 90
percent of the body's phosphorus is concentrated in the bones and teeth,
usually in the form of CALCIUM PHOSPHATE. More of it, as
PHOSPHORIC ACID, is
present in DNA, in RNA, in all cells; indeed, cells can't form or grow
without it. In addition, many enzymes and
B VITAMINS need it to function, and it's key to the metabolism of
CARBOHYDRATES,
FAT and
PROTEINS. Finally,
phosphorus helps shuttle fats through the bloodstream and move nutrients
in and out of cells.
* 1997 Adequate Intake value
Because phosphorus is so widely distributed in food, deficiencies are rare. However, by deliberately depriving experimental animals of phosphorus, researchers have been able to induce ricketslike symptoms, even full-blown rickets, a severe VITAMIN D deficiency characterized by calcium loss, soft bones and teeth (vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body). Good Sources All high-PROTEIN foods (cheese, egg, milk and other dairy products, meat, fish, fowl), legumes and whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice. Precautions Nutritionists worry that those who drink too much soda pop or eat too much meat may be O'Ding on phosphorus. Not good. Excess phosphorus can not only interfere with the absorption of iron but can also upset the calcium/phosphorus ratio, which may lead to osteoporosis. On the other hand, phosphorus leaches into cooking water and, unless that water is recycled, is poured down the drain. Standard Process™ Supplements |
|||||||||||||||||
BecomeHealthyNow.com Home Page
Print This Term