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MINERALS OVERVIEW
Because of its powerful contribution to bone health, phosphorous is often regarded as a twin nutrient to calcium. It is a major mineral and so abundant in the body that the average person normally retains about a pound and a half of it. Phosphorous is involved, either directly or indirectly, in nearly every biological or cellular function in the body.
Phosphorus is needed to work with calcium for bone and tooth formation and hardening of bones and teeth. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in bones is two-to-one. The body relies on phosphorus to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a compound that regulates the release of energy stored in cells and phosphorus is involved in cell growth. Contraction of the heart muscle, and kidney function requires phosphate. It also assists the body in the utilization of vitamins and the conversion of food to energy, playing an important role in transforming proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into fuel. A proper balance of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus should be maintained at all times. If one of these minerals is present either in excessive or insufficient amounts, this will have adverse effects on the body.
Phosphorus is needed for blood clotting. Phosphorous is also needed to help maintain the blood's acid balance, or pH. It helps fats to enter the bloodstream by making them water soluble. It strengthens cells walls, and supports the transport of nutrients and various hormones throughout the body.
Deficiencies of phosphorus are rare, but can lead to such symptoms as anxiety, bone pain, fatigue, irregular breathing, irritability, numbness, skin sensitivity, trembling, weakness, and weight changes.
SOURCES
Phosphorus deficiency is rare because this mineral is found in most foods, especially carbonated soft drinks (colas in particular) and processed cooked foods. Significant amounts of phosphorus are contained in asparagus, bran, brewer's yeast, corn, dairy products, eggs, dried fruit, garlic, legumes, nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and whole grains. High-protein staples as meat, fish, salmon, dairy products, and poultry are good sources of phosphorus.
HEALTH BENEFITS
More than adequate amounts of phosphorous are readily available in the average diet. However, people who regularly take large amounts of antacids that contain aluminum may be deficient in phosphorous. Rarely, complications of diabetes, gastrointestinal malabsorption, or kidney malfunction also cause a shortfall in phosphorous. And recent research has discovered that following a severe burn injury, there is significant loss of phosphorus. In these situations, extra phosphorous ingested through supplements may help.
Although rare, too little phosphorous can lead to fragile bones and teeth, weakness and fatigue, appetite loss, joint pain and stiffness, and extra susceptibility to infection. Small deficiencies can mildly deplete energy.
Because of health risks associated with too much of this mineral, phosphorous should never be taken without a health care providers's recommendation and supervision. In fact, there's more risk involved with getting too much phosphorous than too little. (For more information, see Cautions, below.)
But in the rare cases in which deficiencies appear, extra dietary or supplemental phosphorous may help.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS PHOSPHORUS MAY HELP
Offset a deficiency related to antacid use. The aluminum contained in many antacid products can bind with phosphorus, making it unavailable for use in the body. So if you take large quantities of antacids, talk with your health care provider about whether you might need supplemental phosphorus or a change of antacids to one that doesn't interfere with phosphorus uptake in the body.
Phosphorus aids burn recovery. If you have suffered a major burn, your body may have lost a lot of phosphorus, bringing your levels below the minimum daily amount needed. Ask your health care provider whether you might need phosphorus supplements while you are recovering.
DOSAGE INFORMATION
The Recommended Daily Allowance for phosphorous is 700 mg daily. Most people get this amount or more, between 1,000 and 1,500 mg is average for the American adult, through their everyday diet. Daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplements often contain small amounts of this mineral as well.
Excessive amounts of phosphorus interfere with calcium uptake. A diet consisting of junk food and high in processed cooked foods is a common culprit. Vitamin D increases the effectiveness of phosphorus.
In the presence of heavy antacid use, ask your health care provider if you need to supplement with phosphorus or a change of antacids.
For burn recovery, ask your health care provider if you need to supplement with phosphorus.
GENERAL INTERACTION
Other than the decrease in phosphorus absorption caused by aluminum-containing antacids, there are no other known drug or nutrient interactions with phosphorous.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Phosphorus supplements can cause diarrhea, although this is often a signal that there is no deficiency to start with. Other gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain may also occur.
CAUTIONS:
Never take phosphorus supplements without medical supervision.
Too much phosphorus can result in dangerous imbalances of other vital nutrients. In particular, it can alter levels of certain hormones in a way that results in the depleting of both calcium and phosphorous from the bones. Ironically, people who drink large quantities of carbonated soft drinks, which are high in phosphorous, tend to lack sufficient calcium, largely because they are usually drinking less milk or other calcium-rich beverages.
Do not take phosphorus if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
PHOSPHORUS SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
ConcenTrace Mineral Supplement Drops, Original Flavor, 8 fl. oz.
ConcenTrace ® Trace Mineral Supplement Drops, contains some of the most powerful, natural, health giving Trace Minerals in the World. Formulated by nature for greater bio health and body mineral balancing.
Liquid Sea Minerals With Silver, Trace Minerals, 32 fl. oz.
Liquid Sea Minerals with Silver is a proprietary blend of herb and sea vegetables like Pau D' Arco, Kelp, Spirulina, Irish Moss, Bladderwrack and more. Blended with mineral combinations found in ConcenTrace trace mineral complex, Colloidal Silver and Special Sea Mineral complex. Combined with Natural Aloe Vera as well as Cranberry and Blueberry juices.
ALFALFA HERB
Alfalfa supports the skeletal, glandular, digestive, and urinary systems. It contains chlorophyll, which is well known for its cleansing qualities. The leaves of the Alfalfa plant are abundant in minerals and nutrients, including calcium, iron, copper, manganese, silicon, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, carotene and fiber. Alfalfa is also a source of beta-carotene, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, E, K, and C.
Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfa-Max Alfalfa Extract capsules is a 10x extract of fresh green Alfalfa leaves.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Alfalfa, Certified Organic Bulk Herb
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MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Minerals Index
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
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The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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