Phosphorus

Sources

• Phosphorus is present in all body cells with the majority found in bones and teeth. 
• It is found in many foods but the main sources are milk and milk products, bread and other cereal products, meat and meat products.
• Phosphatesare added to a number of processed foods.  

Functions

• Phosphorus is essential for bone and tooth structure. Calcium phosphate provides the strength of bones and teeth.
• It is needed for the release of energy from cells. When glucose is oxidized, the energy produced is stored in phosphate cmpounds that break down to give energy when required. 

Symptoms of deficiency

• Phosphorus is found in so many foods that it is unlikely to be in short in UK diets. 
• Therefore dietary deficiency in unknown. 

Symptoms of excess

• Unmodified cow's milk should not be given to babies, as it contains more phosphorus and calcium than human milk. 
• The high phosphurus content of cow's milk may reduce the absorption of calcium. This may lead to twitching of the face, hands and feet, a condition known as tetany.
• Maintaining a balance between phosphorus and calcium is therefore important when feeding babies.