Phosphorus Health Topic
Dietary Sources of Phosphorus:
Pumpkin seeds, romano cheese, salmon, scallops, Brazil nuts, lean beef, yogurt, tofu, and lentils.
Learn More About Phosphorus
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Phosphorus: Linus Pauling Institute
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is required by every cell in the body for normal function. Approximately 85% of the body's phosphorus is found in bone. Phosphorus is a major structural component of bone. Phosphorus also helps to maintain normal acid-base balance (pH) by acting as one of the body's most important buffers. All energy production and storage are dependent on phosphorylated compounds. A diet high in fructose (20% of total calories) resulted in increased urinary loss of phosphorus and a negative phosphorus balance. Aluminum-containing antacids reduce the absorption of dietary phosphorus. Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics taken together with a phosphate may result in high blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia).
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Phosphorus Overview
Next to calcium, phosphorus is the most abundant mineral in the body. These two important nutrients work closely together to build strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus helps filter out waste in the kidneys and contributes to energy production in the body by participating in the breakdown of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Sometimes athletes use phosphate supplements before competitions or heavy workouts to help reduce muscle pain and fatigue. Phosphorus and calcium can be used together to help heal bone fractures and to treat bone disorders caused by vitamin D deficiencies. Phosphorus is needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells, and for the production of the genetic building blocks, DNA and RNA. Phosphorus is also needed to help balance and metabolize other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. As dietary phosphorus increases, the need for additional calcium rises as well. Too much dietary phosphorus relative to dietary calcium upsets the delicate balance necessary for proper bone density and prevention of osteoporosis.
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Phosphoric Acid for Nausea
Posphorylated carbohydrate solution is a mixture of sugar syrup and phosphoric acid that calms nausea and vomiting. Because it's not a drug, you may use it safely in young children and infants.
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What is Phosphorylation?
Phosphorylation is the addition of a phosphate (PO4) group to a protein or other organic molecule. Phosphorylation turns many protein enzymes on and off. Protein phosphorylation in particular plays a significant role in a wide range of cellular processes. Many enzymes and receptors are switched "on" or "off" by phos-phorylation and dephosphorylation. Reversible phosphorylation results in a conformational change in the structure in many enzymes and receptors, causing them to become activated or deactivated. The p53 tumor suppressor protein contains more than 18 different phosphorylation sites. Activation of p53 can lead to apoptotic cell death. This activity occurs only in situations wherein the cell is damaged or physiology is disturbed in normal healthy individuals.
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