Phosphorus is a mineral and important nutrient for the growth and development of bone and soft tissue. It is stored mainly in your bones and it’s vital for energy production, as well as the structure of your DNA.

Phosphorus combines with calcium to form calcium phosphate, which is vital for keeping your bones in good condition. About 80 percent of the body’s phosphorus is stored in the skeleton.

The current RDA is 800mg.

Dairy products, liver, seafood, fatty fish and meat.

Poor bone density, kidney stones, weakness, fatigue, twitching and spasms of the muscles, particularly those in the face, hands and feet. The best forms for supplements are calcium phosphate and monosodium phosphate. High alcohol intake can reduce phosphorus levels.

The safe upper limit is 1 500mg per day. Large intakes of phosphorus can decrease the calcium levels in the body. Long-term use of antacids can also reduce the body’s phosphorus levels.

Fizzy cola drinks contain lots of phosphoric acid and drinking too much can reduce calcium levels.

New evidence suggests that dietary phosphorus plays a pivotal role in the development of bone mass and comprises half the weight of bones. Intakes of extra phosphorus may help broken bones heal and reduce the loss of minerals from immobile limbs.

Phosphorus has been used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

It appears that phosphorus reduces fatigue in insulin-dependent diabetics, as well as reducing the development of kidney stones.