Phosphorus

Phosphorous is involved in bone and teeth formation as well as metabolism, kideny function, cell growth and heart muscle contraction. It not only helps in conversion of food to energy (it is crucial in the production of ATP, a molecule the body uses to store energy) but also in vitmain utilisation particularly with the B-vitamins.

Cell membranes are composed largely of phospholipids. The inorganic constituents of bone are primarily a calcium phosphate salt called hydroxyapatite.

Different forms or alternative names for Phosphorus:
calcium phosphate
phospholipids

Good sources of Phosphorus are:
meat, fish, eggs, milk,

We have sorted our nutrition database by foods high in phosphorus. So you can easily see how much is contained in different foods. You can also search through our database using the search box below or browse the phosphorus content by food category.

Phosphorus in foods - by food category

Baby Food		Baked Products
Beef Products		Breakfast Cereals
Cereal Grains and Pasta		Dairy Products
Drinks		Ethnic Foods
Fast Foods		Fats and Oils
Fish		Fruits
Lamb, Veal, and Game Products		Legumes and Legume Products
Meals, Entrees, and Sidedishes		Nuts
Pork		Poultry Products
Sausages and Luncheon Meats		Snacks
Soups		Spices and Herbs
Sweets		Vegetables
Cakes		Fruit Juices
Soy Products		Sauces
Shellfish		Candy
Spreads		Soda
Dried Fruits		Soups
Cookies		Biscuits

Deficiency of Phosphorus may cause:
irregular breathing
fatigue
anxiety
skin sensitivity
changes in body weight

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Phosphorus:
children 1-3 yrs 460 mg
children 4-8 yrs 500 mg
children 9-18 yrs 1250 mg
Males 19-70+ yrs 700 mg
Females 19-70+ yrs 700 mg
Pregnancy 19-50 yrs 700 mg
Lactation 19-50 yrs 700 mg

For further information on nutrients RDA see our complete list for recommended dietary allowance.