Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus (P) levels in the body depend on many things, primarily, they reflect the interactions of P with calcium and vitamin D. P is one of the many important bone nutrients, and is a major component of the mineralized tissue in bones and teeth. Calcium and P assimilation into bone is regulated by vitamin D.
Phosphates are found in every cell of the body and are involved in:
- chemical energy transfer
- enzyme regulation
- carbohydrate metabolism
- amino acid assimilation
- lipid metabolism
P is found in:
- fish
- meats
- nuts and seeds
- beans
- cheese
- whole grains
- quality chocolate
- kelp
- yeast
- bone meal
Symptoms of P deficiency include:
- arthritis
- reproductive problems
- muscle weakness
- fatigue
- tooth decay
- fragile bones
- stunted growth