What Is Phosphorus and Why Is It Important?

Phosphorus is the second most plentiful mineral in your body. The first is calcium. Your body needs phosphorus for many functions, such as filtering waste and repairing tissue and cells.

Most people get the amount of phosphorus that they need through their daily diets. In fact, it’s more common to have too much phosphorus in your body than too little. Kidney disease or eating too much phosphorus and not enough calcium can lead to an excess of phosphorous.

However, certain health conditions (such as diabetes and alcoholism) or medications (such as some antacids) can cause phosphorus levels in your body to drop too low.

Phosphorus levels that are too high or too low can cause medical complications, such as heart disease, joint pain, or fatigue.

 

What Does Phosphorus Do?

You need phosphorus to keep your bones strong and healthy, to help make energy, and to move your muscles.

In addition, phosphorus helps to:

• build strong bones and teeth

• filter out waste in your kidneys

• manage how your body stores and uses energy

• grow, maintain, and repair tissue and cells

• produce DNA and RNA — the body’s genetic building blocks

• balance and use vitamins such as vitamins B and D, as well as other minerals like iodine, magnesium, and zinc

• assist in muscle contraction

• maintain a regular heartbeat

• facilitate nerve conduction

• reduce muscle pain after exercise

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