Phosphorus (P)

Next to calcium, phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, making up about 1% of your body weight.

Natural Food Sources
Almonds, beans, calf liver, cheese, eggs, fish, legumes, milk products, peanuts, peas, poultry, pumpkin seeds, red meat, scallops, soybeans, sunflower seeds, tuna, whole grain products.

Main Functions
Like many minerals, phosphorus is involved in bone and tooth formation, and it helps release energy from nutrients. It is involved in almost all body processes and is part of the genetic code of cells. It is also part of the structure of all soft tissues and organs. Phosphorus acidifies urine and reduces the incidence of kidney stones.

Deficiency Symptoms
Phosphorus is found so abundantly in plant and animal foods that deficiency is unlikely. Excess vomiting or consumption of aluminum hydroxide, found in some antacids and anticonvulsant medications, may lead to phosphorus deficiency. Symptoms include bone pain, loss of appetite, weakness and brittle bones.

Toxicity Symptoms
If there is an imbalance of phosphorus and calcium in the diet, toxicity symptoms such as seizures, heartbeat irregularities, shortness of breath and osteoporosis may result.

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