Phosphorus

Phosphorus supplements are unnecessary. Most multiple vitamin-mineral supplements do not contain phosphorus for this reason.

Phosphorus is highest in protein-rich foods and cereal grains. In addition, phosphorus additives are used in many soft drinks and packaged foods. Phosphorus is not often present in supplements except for certain calcium supplements, such as bone meal.

Phosphorus deficiency is uncommon, because dietary intake is usually adequate.¹ Chronic alcoholics may become deficient in phosphorus.² and people taking large amounts of aluminum-containing antacids³

One study has shown that taking calcium can interfere with the absorption of phosphorus, which, like calcium, is important for bone health.⁴. Although most western diets contain ample or even excessive amounts of phosphorus, older people who supplement with large amounts of calcium may be at risk of developing phosphorus deficiency. For this reason, the authors of this study recommend that, for elderly people, at least some of the supplemental calcium be taken in the form of tricalcium phosphate or some other phosphorus-containing preparation.

High phosphorus intake may impair absorption of iron, copper, and zinc.⁵Ingestion of excessive amounts of aluminum-containing antacids (such as Di-Gel, Riopan, Maalox, or Mylanta) can cause phosphorus deficiency.

People with severe kidney disease must avoid excessive phosphorus. Based primarily on animal studies, some authorities have suggested that excess intake of phosphate is hazardous to normal calcium and bone metabolism,⁶ but this idea has been challenged.⁷ Phosphoric acid–containing soft drinks have been implicated in elevated kidney stone risk,^{8, 9} but not all studies have found this relationship.¹⁰

Ingestion of excessive amounts of aluminum-containing antacids (such as Di-Gel®, Riopan®, Maalox®, or Mylanta®) can cause phosphorus deficiency.