Phosphorus Minerals Information - Facts, benefits, deficiency disease of Phosphorus

Phosphorus is present in every cell in the body. Vitamin D and calcium are essential to proper Phosphorus functioning. Calcium and Phosphorus should be belanced two to one to work correctly. Next to calcium, phosphorus is the body's 2nd most abundant mineral, but it should be consumed in greater quantity. Phosphorus is involved virtually all physiological chemical reactions. Phosphorus plays a large part in many important chemical reactions. It is necessary for normal bone and tooth structure. Phosphorus joins up with fatty acids in the body to form phospholipids. Phospholipids have a very interesting characteristic: they are soluble in water and fat. The fatty acid makes phospholipids soluble in fat and the phosphorus makes it soluble in water.

Niacin cannot be assimilated without Phosphorus. This mineral is important for heart regularity and normal kidney functioning. Phosphorus is needed for the transference of nerve impulses. Excess phosphorus may only be a problem in babies fed on unmodified cow's milk, as this can affect calcium balance.

Phosphorus Benefits and Uses

• aid in rowth and body repair
• provide energy and vigor by helping in the metabolization of fats and straches
• Phosphorus lessen the pain of arthritis
• hosphorus is also an important component of phospholipids, which utilize fats and fatty acids, maintain the pH level (acidity-alkalinity) of the blood, and assist in the secretion of hormones.
• promote healthy gums and teeth

Phosphorus food Sources

Some of the important sources of phosphorus include Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, American cheese, pork, hamburger, tuna, lobster, chicken, sunflower seeds, peanuts, pine nuts, peanut butter, bran flakes, shredded wheat, whole wheat bread, noodles, rice, white bread, potatoes, corn, peas, French fries, broccoli, milk chocolate and soda beverages (due to the phosphoric acid added as a preservative).

Phosphorus Deficiency Disease

Phosphorus deficiency is very rare by itself. It is usually accompanied by calcium deficiency. As a result, the signs for phosphorus deficiency are almost identical to those of calcium deficiency. A deficiency in the calcium-phosphorus balance can lead to diseases like rickets, arthritis, pyorrhea, and tooth decay. Antacids, too much iron or magnesium depletes phosphorus levels. Most people get way too much phosphorus, though, so it's not one of those nutrients you can easily be deficient in.