What is phosphate in your blood

A phosphate test measures the amount of phosphate in a blood sample. Phosphate is a charged particle (ion) that contains the mineral phosphorus. The body needs phosphorus to build and repair bones and teeth, help nerves function, and make muscles contract.

What does high phosphate in blood mean?

Your body needs some phosphate to strengthen your bones and teeth, produce energy, and build cell membranes. Yet in larger-than-normal amounts, phosphate can cause bone and muscle problems and increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes. A high phosphate level is often a sign of kidney damage.

What happens when phosphate levels are too high?

Extra phosphorus causes body changes that pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak. High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Over time this can lead to increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death.

What causes the phosphate to be high?

When your kidneys are not working well, too much phosphorus can build up in your blood. This is called hyperphosphatemia. Your kidneys also help your body use vitamin D. When your kidneys are not working, your body may not be able to use vitamin D like it should.

What does it mean if your phosphate levels are low?

Low levels of phosphate rarely lead to symptoms of hypophosphataemia; rather symptoms usually result from the associated condition that causes hypophosphataemia. Very low phosphate levels can cause breathing difficulties, confusion, altered mental status, muscle weakness and muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis.

How can I lower my phosphorus in my body?

1. Reduce the amount of phosphorus you eat. …
2. Take phosphorus binders. …
3. Take vitamin D. …
4. Take a calcimimetic medicine. …
5. Stay on dialysis the entire time. …
6. Start an exercise program approved by a doctor. …
7. Get an operation to remove some of the parathyroid glands.

What should I eat if my phosphorus is high?

• Chicken and Turkey. Share on Pinterest. …
• Pork. A typical 3-ounce (85-gram) portion of cooked pork contains 25–32% of the RDI for phosphorus, depending on the cut. …
• Organ Meats. …
• Seafood. …
• Dairy. …
• Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds. …
• Nuts. …
• Whole Grains.

What are the symptoms of too much phosphorus?

Symptoms of too much phosphorus These symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. People with high phosphorus levels can also experience itching and red eyes. Symptoms of more severe cases of high phosphorus may include severe constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What does phosphorus do in the human body?

Function. The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.

Are eggs high in phosphorus?

Dairy, Dairy Substitutes and Egg WhitesPhosphorus ContentEgg whites, pasteurized15 mg

Article first time published on

What foods contain phosphorus?

Which foods have phosphorus? Phosphorus is found in high amounts in protein foods such as milk and milk products and meat and alternatives, such as beans, lentils and nuts. Grains, especially whole grains provide phosphorus. Phosporus is found in smaller amounts in vegetables and fruit.

How does phosphate affect the heart?

Depletion of phosphate can lead to ventricular arrhythmias and elimination of ATP synthesis, resulting in reversible myocardial dysfunction. Hyperphosphatemia, observed mainly in patients with chronic kidney failure, is also associated with cardiac hypertrophy, which may worsen cardiac contractility and heart failure.

Is coffee high in phosphorus?

Phosphorus, sodium, calories, carbohydrates and protein are minimal in black coffee and not of nutritional consideration.

What drugs are phosphate binders?

Drug NameAvg. RatingReviewsVelphoro (Pro) Generic name: sucroferric oxyhydroxide4.67 reviewsRenvela (Pro) Generic name: sevelamer5.47 reviewsAuryxia (Pro) Generic name: ferric citrate5.16 reviewsFosrenol (Pro) Generic name: lanthanum carbonate6.84 reviews

What disease is caused by lack of phosphorus?

Phosphorus deficiency may cause bone diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. An improper balance of phosphorus and calcium may cause osteoporosis.

Is phosphorus bad for your kidneys?

How might phosphorus harm kidneys? Too much phosphorus may calcify the kidneys. “As more phosphate goes through the kidney, it accelerates micro-calcification of the kidney’s tubules,” Block explains. That can depress kidney function and also increase the risk of fatal heart attacks.

Does exercise reduce phosphorus levels?

Conclusion: Both increased dialysis time and exercise result in increased dialytic removal of phosphate and could be expected in the long term to improve phosphate control.

Is peanut butter high in phosphorus?

Foods such as milk and cheese, dried beans, colas, canned iced teas and lemonade, nuts, and peanut butter are high in phosphorus. A renal dietitian can help people with advanced CKD learn how to limit phosphorus in their diet.

Is chocolate bad for kidneys?

Candy not recommended on a kidney diet Chocolate and nuts contain high amounts of phosphorus and potassium.

Is oatmeal good for kidneys?

Oatmeal is higher in potassium and phosphorus compared to refined grains, but can be included in most kidney diets.

What drinks are bad for the kidneys?

Sodas. According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

Does phosphorus affect blood pressure?

Greater phosphorus intake has been associated with lower levels of blood pressure in cross-sectional studies.

Does sodium phosphate raise blood pressure?

The researchers show that increased phosphate intake, more specifically an increased serum phosphate level, activates the sympathetic nervous system, which accelerates cardiac activity and increases blood pressure.

What is the normal level of phosphate in the blood?

Hyperphosphatemia may be described as high levels of inorganic phosphate in the blood. The normal range for phosphorous is 2.5-4.5 mg/dL. Normal values may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Phosphate, or phosphorous, is similar to calcium, as it is found in your teeth and bones.

Is lemon water good for kidneys?

Lemons contain citrate, which helps prevent calcium from building up and forming stones in your kidneys. Interestingly, the benefit doesn’t seem to be present in oranges, making lemon a unique tool in kidney stone prevention.

What vegetable is good for kidneys?

• Dark leafy greens. Dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, chard, and collard greens are loaded with vitamins A and C, calcium, and many other important minerals. …
• Berries. …
• Cranberries. …
• Sweet potatoes. …
• Olive oil. …
• Fatty fish. …
• Cabbage.

Is olive oil high in phosphorus?

8. Olive oil. Olive oil is a healthy source of fat and phosphorus-free, making it a great option for people with kidney disease.

Do Tums contain phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral that helps you have strong bones and teeth. Too much phosphorus can build up in the body when kidneys don’t work well. Calcium carbonate, often known as Tums®, sticks to the phosphorus in the foods you eat.

Why is phosphate elevated in CKD?

When your kidneys start to fail they cannot remove the excess phosphate from your body. Kidney disease also leads to an increase in production of parathyroid hormone. This also leads to too much phosphate in your body. The phosphate builds up in your body and binds to calcium.