|
Phosphorus, also known as phosphate, is an essential mineral in
human nutrition and plays an important role in the structure and
function of the human body. Phosphorus is essential for the process
of bone mineralization and is what creates bone structure. Almost
90% of phosphorus in the human body is found in bone. Phosphorus
also makes of the structure of cellular membranes, nucleic acids and
nucleotides, including adenosine triphosphate. It has been said that
life is built around phosphorus.
Phosphorus deficiency is
uncommon because dietary intake is usually adequate. However,
chronic alcoholics and people taking large amounts of
aluminum-containing antacids may become deficient in phosphorus. In
addition, those with malabsorption syndromes and those with diseases
causing renal tubular losses of phosphorus can become phosphorus
depleted. Phosphorus deficiency can result in anorexia, impaired
growth, osteomalacia, skeletal demineralization, proximal muscle
atrophy and weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory
insufficiency, increased erythrocyte and lymphocyte dysfunction,
susceptibility to infectious rickets, nervous system disorders, and
even death.
Supplemental phosphorus is used in connection
with phosphorus deficiency. Calcium phosphate however is mainly used
as a delivery form of calcium. Phosphorus may have putative
ergogenic (exercise performance-enhancement) activity and has been
suggested for possible use in connection with osteoporosis when
taken in conjunction with calcium
supplements.
Phosphorus Dosage and
Administration
Phosphorus supplements are
unnecessary. Most multiple vitamin-mineral supplements do not
contain phosphorus for this reason. However, some athletes will take
calcium phosphate for phosphate-loading.
|
