This is a general overview. For more in-depth information, see our health professional fact sheet.
What is phosphorus and what does it do?
Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. Your body needs phosphorus to make energy and to carry out many important chemical processes.
How much phosphorus do I need?
How much phosphorus you need depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts are listed below in milligrams (mg).
| Life Stage |
Recommended Amount |
| Birth to 6 months |
100 mg |
| Infants 7–12 months |
275 mg |
| Children 1–3 years |
460 mg |
| Children 4–8 years |
500 mg |
| Children 9–13 years |
1,250 mg |
| Teens 14–18 years |
1,250 mg |
| Pregnant and breastfeeding teens |
1,250 mg |
| Adults 19 years and older |
700 mg |
| Pregnant and breastfeeding women |
700 mg |
What foods provide phosphorus?
Phosphorus is naturally present in many foods. You can get recommended amounts of phosphorus by eating a variety of foods, including the following:
- Dairy products, such as yogurt, milk, and cheese
- Grain products, such as bread, tortillas, brown rice, and oatmeal
- Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs
- Nuts and seeds, such as cashews and sesame seeds
- Legumes, such as lentils, kidney beans, and peas
- Vegetables, such as potatoes and asparagus
Also, many processed foods have additives that contain phosphorus. These additives include phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, and sodium polyphosphate.
What kinds of phosphorus dietary supplements are available?
Phosphorus is available in a few multivitamin/mineral supplements and some other dietary supplements.
Phosphorus in dietary supplements is often in the form of dipotassium phosphate, disodium phosphate, phosphatidylcholine, or phosphatidylserine. Research hasn’t shown that any form of supplemental phosphorus is better than the others.
Am I getting enough phosphorus?
Most people in the United States get more phosphorus than they need from the foods they eat. However, some people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough phosphorus:
What happens if I don’t get enough phosphorus?
Phosphorus deficiency is rare in the United States. A phosphorus deficiency can cause loss of appetite, anemia (low red blood cell counts), muscle weakness, coordination problems, bone pain, soft and deformed bones, a higher risk of infection, a feeling of burning or prickling in the skin, and confusion.
What are some effects of phosphorus on health?
Scientists are studying phosphorus to better understand how it affects health. Here are two examples of what this research has shown.
Chronic kidney disease
In severe chronic kidney disease, the kidneys stop working properly and can’t get rid of excess phosphorus. Phosphorus then builds up in the blood and can affect bone health and worsen kidney disease, and it might increase the risk of death. Consuming less phosphorus and eating more foods containing calcium might help prevent the side effects of high phosphorus levels in people with severe chronic kidney disease.
Cardiovascular disease
Some studies show that high blood levels of phosphorus might increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat and of death from heart disease. However, other studies haven’t found a link between phosphorus levels and heart disease risk. More research is needed to understand whether limiting the amount of phosphorus in a person’s diet has any effect on their risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
Can phosphorus be harmful?
High phosphorus intakes seldom cause problems in healthy people. However, you shouldn’t get more phosphorus than the upper limits from food, beverages, and dietary supplements unless your health care provider recommends doing this.
The daily upper limits for phosphorus include intakes from all sources—food, beverages, and supplements—and are listed below in milligrams (mg).
| Ages |
Upper Limit |
| Birth to 6 months |
Not established |
| Infants 7–12 months |
Not established |
| Children 1–3 years |
3,000 mg |
| Children 4–8 years |
3,000 mg |
| Children 9–13 years |
4,000 mg |
| Teens 14–18 years |
4,000 mg |
| Adults 19–70 years |
4,000 mg |
| Adults 71+ years |
3,000 mg |
| Pregnant teens and adults |
3,500 mg |
| Breastfeeding teens and adults |
4,000 mg |
Does phosphorus interact with medications or other dietary supplements?
Yes, phosphorus can interact with medicines that you take, and some medicines can affect phosphorus levels in your body. Here are two examples:
- Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate can reduce the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs. Examples of these antacids are Maalox, Rulox, Rolaids, and Tums. Using these antacids for 3 months or longer can lead to low levels of phosphorus.
- Some laxatives, such as Fleet Prep Kit #1, contain sodium phosphate and can increase phosphorus levels. Taking more than the recommended dose of these laxatives can be dangerous, especially if you are dehydrated or have kidney disease or heart disease.
Phosphorus and healthful eating
People should get most of their nutrients from food and beverages, according to the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Foods contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and other components that benefit health. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible to meet needs for one or more nutrients (for example, during specific life stages such as pregnancy). For more information about building a healthy dietary pattern, see the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA's) MyPlate.
Where can I find out more about phosphorus?
- For general information on phosphorus
- For more information on food sources of phosphorus
- For more advice on choosing dietary supplements
- For information about building a healthy dietary pattern
Disclaimer
This fact sheet by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your health care providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health. Any mention in this publication of a specific product or service, or recommendation from an organization or professional society, does not represent an endorsement by ODS of that product, service, or expert advice.