Pharma gyan Pandit

Phosphorous
Phosphorus is an essential mineral primarily used for growth and repair of body cells and tissues. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, all body cells contain phosphorus, with 85 percent found in bones and teeth. There, together with calcium, phosphorus provides structure and strength. Phosphorus is also required for a variety of biochemical processes including energy production and pH regulation.

Energy Production

Phosphorus is commonly found in the body as phosphate. Phosphates play an important role in energy production as components of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate. ATP is readily used to fuel your body's many functions. Structurally, ATP consists of adenosine, an organic compound, and three phosphate molecules. When bonding between one phosphate and adenosine is severed, energy is released which then fires cellular activity. According to the authors of "Nutrition," energy released from ATP is used quickly, so your body contains only a small amount at any one time.

Protein Synthesis

Phosphorus is a component of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, and ribonucleic acid, or RNA, long molecules which carry genetic information used to make proteins. Synthesis begins in the cell nucleus, where a portion of DNA serves as a template for RNA manufacture. RNA then carries specific coding instructions for building needed body proteins to the ribosomes, where proteins are assembled from amino acids. Without sufficient phosphorus, body protein manufacture is impaired, which eventually affects overall health.

Secondary Functions

Phosphorus also acts as a buffer, neutralizing acids to maintain normal pH in the blood. Many enzymes and hormones also contain phosphorus as a structural component. Hemoglobin, the important oxygen-carrying protein in the bloodstream, also depends upon phosphorus contained in its structure for proper function.

Diet rich in phosphorus:

Meat, Tuna fish,Lobster, Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Cereals (rice, wheat germ, maize), Pulses, legumes and vegetables (broccoli, peas, potatoes), Nuts (almond, cashew nuts, pistachio, walnuts), Oil seeds (mustard seed, sunflower seed)

Deficiency Symptoms:

Excessive fatigue / weakness, Loss of appetite, Irritability, Numb / burning / tingling sensation in extremities, Diffuse bone pain, Joint pain / swelling / stiffness, Susceptibility to dental cavities, Brittle hair and nails

Treatment: Phosphorus can be treated by taking adequate amounts (recommended daily allowance of 1200 mg for adults, both male and female, and 800 mg for children) in the form of supplements and multivitamins.