Minerals - Phosphorus (P) Flashcards
Phosphorus (P)
- Phosphorus (P) Is the body’s second most abundant mineral
- About 85% of P is found combined with Ca in hydroxyapatite crystals of bones and teeth
- In nature P is rarely free; almost always bound to O2 as ‘phosphate’ (PO 4³)
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Functions: Energy
Functions: Energy
* Phosphorus is a part of ATP
Therapeutic use:
* Fatigue
Functions: Structural
Functions: Structural
* About 85% of P Is found in bones and teeth (Contributes to hardness)
* It is a structural component of DNA
Therapeutic use:
* Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia and rickets
Functions: Muscle contraction
Functions: Muscle contraction
* Creatine phosphate is a storage unit of energy in muscles
Therapeutic use:
* Fibromyalgia, Exercise support
Functions: Cell membrane integrity
Functions: Cell membrane integrity
* Phospholipids support cell membrane integrity and aid fluidity
* Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine (types of phospholipid) are abundant in the brain and important for cognition
Therapeutic use:
* Neurodegenerative diseases, Poor cognition, Atherosclerosis, GIT permeability
Toxicity
- Phosphorus intake from Natural foods will never lead to toxicity
- However, phosphorus as a preservative (inorganic phosphorus) as used in carbonated soft drinks, processed food, fast food, enhanced meats can lead to hyperphosphataemia (high P in blood) as well as hyperactivity in children
- This could result in decreased Ca absorption, as P can form a complex with Ca in chyme
- Polyphosphates from food additives can also interfere with Zn, Cu and Fe absorption.
Food sources
Phosphate is an essential constituent of all plant and animal tissues and thus is widely distributed in all foods, especially:
o Seeds, nuts, beans, legumes
o Meat, poultry, fish, dairy
o Soft drinks (not a recommended source!)
Functions
Energy
Structural
Muscle contraction
Cell membrane integrity
