About Phosphorus
Second most abundant mineral in the body, with 85% stored in bones and teeth as hydroxyapatite alongside calcium. Essential component of ATP (cellular energy currency), DNA, RNA, and cell membranes. Deficiency is rare in developed countries since phosphorus is abundant in protein-rich foods and food additives. Excessive phosphorus intake (common in processed foods) relative to calcium may impair bone health by disrupting the calcium-phosphorus ratio.
What Phosphorus supports
- Builds bones and teeth
- Produces cellular energy
How much Phosphorus to take
Clinical studies typically use 100–500 mg of Phosphorus. Supplemental range; most adults get 1000-1500mg from food. Rarely included in multivitamins at high doses.
- RDA
- 700 mg
- Upper limit (UL)
- 4000 mg
- Effective range
- 100–500 mg
Clinical evidence
Strong clinical evidence. Second most abundant mineral in the body; most people get excess from processed foods, not deficiency
NIH Fact Sheet