Phosphorus
Function
Formation of cells, bones and teeth, maintains acid-base balance, important to the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates
Deficiency
Loss of appetite, anemia, muscle weakness, bone pain, rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, infection, numbness and tingling of the extremities, difficulty walking
Food sources
Egg, milk, meat, fish, soya beans, soya products, pulses and wheat bran.
Phosphorus is widespread in food. That is why deficiency is usually only seen in cases of near-total starvation.
Toxic dose – symptoms
Lack of calcium, increased fat level in blood, problems with circulation
AIs (Adequate Intakes)
| Infants 0-6 months 7-12 months |
Milligrams per Day 100 275 |
RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowances)
| Children 1-3 years 4-8 years |
Milligrams per Day 460 500 |
| Males 9-13 years 14-18 years 19-30 years 31-50 years 50-70 years > 70 years |
- 1250 1250 700 700 700 700 |
| Females 9-13 years 14-18 years 19-30 years 31-50 years 50-70 years > 70 years |
- 1250 1250 700 700 700 700 |
| Pregnancy < 19 years 19-30 years 31-50 years |
- 1250 700 700 |
| Lactation < 19 years 19-30 years 31-50 years |
- 1250 700 700 |
Source: USDA Dietary Reference Intakes