Phosphorus

What is phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral of which the major part (about 80%) is found in the bones and teeth, where it is closely linked to calcium (calcium phosphate), with which it forms an inseparable couple to ensure proper ossification. The rest is associated with lipids to form phospholipids, a type of essential fat that is part of the composition of cell membranes.

What is its function and what are its benefits?

Phosphorus is mainly known for its role in bone constitution and rigidity, in association with calcium.

But its role does not end there, and phosphorus also plays an important role in energy production, being an essential component of ATP (or adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary source of energy in the human body, and of phosphocreatine (PCr), which is used to regenerate ATP.

Phosphorus is also involved in the formation of a certain type of lipid (phospholipids), which is essential for the formation of cell membranes.

Finally, it helps neutralize acidic compounds resulting from energy metabolism, and thus contributes to the acid-base balance of the body.

Where to find it?

Phosphorus is found mainly in dairy products, fish, liver, whole grains, chocolate, zucchini, nuts, as well as in certain sodas rich in phosphoric acid (which should be avoided because ingestion of a high level of phosphoric acid could interfere with the functioning of the kidneys and promote kidney stones).

Deficiency and excess

Phosphorus needs may be increased during growth, in pregnant women or in athletes, but overall, the risks of deficiency are very low in our modern societies.

It is more the excesses that should be monitored, in particular by limiting the consumption of sugary sodas.