Everything You Need to Know About Phosphorous

Phosphorous is the second most abundant mineral in your body after calcium. 85% of it is found combined with calcium in your bones and teeth in the compound form of calcium phosphate, the source of their strength. Phosphorous is also part of DNA and RNA, which carry the instructions for new cell formation and, as such, is necessary for growth.

Phosphorous is important in the cell's use of energy nutrients since many enzymes and B vitamins (energy releasers) become active when phosphate is attached. Because it works in tandem with calcium, it's best to get amounts that balance with your calcium consumption. Recommended intakes are the same as for calcium so a one-to-one ratio is maintained.

Phosphorous is easy to get because it is present in most foods. It is especially abundant in milk, meat, fish, grains and green vegetables. The real problem is excess because too much interferes with your body's ability to use calcium and iron. Most sodas are loaded with phosphorous, so this is a real problem for those who drink a lot of it. Particularly for women, when soda may be taking the place of milk to begin with, the imbalance impedes the use of what little calcium they may be getting. Teenage girls may be setting themselves up for compromised bone health entering adulthood, which can lead to osteoporosis later on.

It is so difficult to change habits in children to prevent something they can't even conceive of happening, at an age they think they will never be. That's why for parents, talking and lecturing is not the way to go. Best is setting an example yourself. Limit your soda intake to an occasional treat and be an avid milk or water drinker yourself. Be firm, but flexible in encouraging your child's intake of milk or soymilk. Starting from late infancy, make wholesome foods part of their everyday life. Don't buy soda, but don't make it a forbidden food -- that will just enhance its appeal. Allow one at the movies, or at a company picnic if they are offered.

Eating too much meat can also compromise the calcium-phosphorous balance since meat is so rich in phosphorous. If you are a meat lover, you will need to make a special point of getting enough calcium rich foods. Vegetarians seem to do fine on a diet low in dairy products since they may get calcium from plants without the interference of phosphorous from meat or poultry.

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