Phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
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Phosphorus is required by the body for teeth and bone formation. The total body phosphate is about 1 kg, 80% of which is found in bones and teeth and 10% in muscles. Phosphate is mainly an intracellular ion and is seen in all the cells.  Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body and is found in the blood fluid in  and around cells and in various organs like the heart, kidney, brain and muscles where it is involved in a number of critical functions. It plays a vital role in building strong teeth and bones and is required by almost every cell in the body for proper functioning. Older people need more phosphorus as their system is not capable of absorbing it too well.

Benefits of Phosphorus:

It is required for the treatment of fractures, brittle bones, rickets, teeth and gum disorders.

It is involved in all physical and chemical reactions, strengthens cell membranes, assists other nutrients, hormones and chemicals and is essential for normal bone and tooth structure.

It is needed for healthy nerve impulses, normal kidney functioning, utilization of carbohydrates, fats, proteins for growth, maintenance, repair of cells and for energy production.

It is used to produce high energy compounds such as ATP, CTP, GTP, creatine phosphate etc.

It is required for the synthesis of nucleoside coenzymes such as NAD and NADP.

It is used for DNA and RNA synthesis, where phosphodiester linkages form the backbone of the structure.

Formation of phosphate esters such as glucose-6-phosphate, phospholipids and phosphoproteins such as caffeine in milk is also attributed to the mineral.

It serves in the preparation of glucose for energy formation.

It is necessary for growth and development of all the muscles in the body.

It is essential for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and plays a key role in energy production.

It provides energy for muscle contractions and nerve impulses.

It is involved in the genetic transfer of hereditary traits.

It is an important component of phospholipids, which utilize fats and fatty acids, maintain the pH levels of the blood and assist in the secretion of hormones.

Phosphorus is required for the formation of tooth enamel and healthy gums.

It maintains heart regularity.

It aids in growth and body repair.

It reduces pain and in arthritis.

It speeds recovery of burns victims.

It maintains the health of kidneys and regulates fluid levels in the body.

It contribute towards general good health and well being.

Deficiency:

This leads to the development of weak or fragile bones,  teeth, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, joint pains, and stiff neck, confusion, less energy and susceptibility to infections.
Less amount of phosphor calcium balance can lead to rickets, arthritics, pyorrhea, tooth decay etc.

Dosage:

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of phosphorus is 1000 mg per day. Its long term use in supplementation form may inhibit the absorption of calcium.

Sources of Phosphorus:

These include pork, hamburger, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, pine nuts, sun flower seeds, rice, white bread, potatoes, corn, peas, French beans, broccoli, lobster, tuna, peanuts, whole wheat bread, shredded wheat, bran, flakes, peanut butter etc.

Absorption of phosphorus is mainly from jejunum. Calcitriol increases phosphate absorption.

Before taking any mineral supplements it is essential for you to consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if the nutrient is required by your body or not. You must also make note of any of the diseases or ailments you might be suffering from such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, depression, kidney problem, gastro intestinal disease, high cholesterol levels etc. you must also consider your present medical condition before taking the supplement, if you are allergic to any prescription or over the counter (OTC) drugs or have a family history of any ailments before taking any mineral.