Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

Other Minerals Important to Bone Health
PHOSPHORUS
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body, and 85% of the body’s
phosphorus is housed in the skeleton. In addition, phosphorus (in the form of phosphate)
is a component of the backbones of RNA and DNA, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and
phospholipids. Phosphate also plays important roles in regulating cell signaling, enzyme
activity, and acid-base balance, as well as being part of creatine phosphate, which is an
energy source for muscles during exercise. 1
Because phosphorus is present with calcium in mineralized bone, it is somewhat regulated
in parallel to calcium. PTH and activated vitamin D stimulate bone resorption, increasing not
only blood levels of calcium, but also blood phosphate levels. However, in contrast to the
effect of PTH on calcium reabsorption by the kidney, PTH stimulates the renal excretion of
phosphate so that it does not accumulate to toxic levels.
Dietary Sources of Phosphorus
In comparison to calcium, most people in the U.S. are not at risk for inadequate intake
of phosphorus. Phosphorus is present in many foods, including meat, fish, dairy products,
potatoes, nuts, beans, and whole grains. Phosphorus is also added to soft drinks and many
processed foods, because it acts as an emulsifying agent, prevents clumping, improves
texture and taste, and extends shelf life.
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