Minerals
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an essential mineral classified as a major mineral. It forms part of bones, teeth and cell structures and is involved in energy transfer within cells.
Your body needs phosphorus for bones and teeth, among other functions. It is also part of DNA and RNA, cell membranes and ATP, a molecule involved in energy transfer within cells. In food and the body, phosphorus occurs mainly in phosphate-containing compounds rather than as the free element. The terms are therefore not interchangeable: phosphorus is the chemical element with the symbol P, while phosphates are particular compounds containing that element.
Phosphorus is an essential mineral and a major mineral. Your body needs it for bones and teeth, as well as for cell membranes and energy transfer in cells.
Phosphorus and phosphate
Phosphorus is the chemical element with the symbol P. In food and in the body, it is found mainly in phosphate-containing compounds, including as part of ATP, DNA, RNA and phospholipids. Phosphorus and phosphate are not interchangeable terms: phosphates are compounds of the element phosphorus.
What phosphorus contributes to
Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal cell membrane function, and the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. These authorised claims apply to foods that are at least a source of phosphorus. They do not mean that supplements provide extra energy or improve bones or teeth when intake is already adequate.
How much phosphorus do you need?
The EFSA sets an adequate intake of 550 mg of phosphorus per day for adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding adults. Different values apply to children and adolescents. An adequate intake is not a precisely established minimum requirement. The EU nutrition labelling reference value is 700 mg per day; it is not the same as the EFSA reference value for adults.
Do you need phosphorus supplements?
Routine additional phosphorus intake is not recommended. Because the data were insufficient, EFSA could not establish a tolerable upper intake level for the nutrient. This does not mean that unlimited amounts are safe. EFSA’s ADI of 40 mg phosphorus per kg of body weight concerns phosphate food additives; it is not an upper limit for nutrient intake.
Research on added phosphate and calcium balance suggests possible changes in metabolic markers, but has not shown a benefit for bone density or fracture risk. Findings on possible effects on weight or satiety come from limited research and do not establish a reliable, lasting benefit.
How nutrition works
Energy metabolism
Cell membrane
Bone health
Dental health
Calcium and phosphorus metabolism
Supplemental phosphate reduced urinary calcium and generally improved calcium balance in a meta-analysis; benefits for bones or fracture risk were not demonstrated. [3]
Body weight
Limited research suggests that phosphorus taken with meals may support favourable weight and waist changes in adults with overweight or obesity; a sustained benefit has not been established. [4]
Glycaemic control
There is insufficient evidence that supplemental phosphorus consistently improves post-meal glucose or insulin responses in healthy adults. [4]
Statements & evidence
Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. [2][1]
This claim may only be used for foods that qualify as at least a source of phosphorus. It describes normal physiological function, not evidence that extra phosphorus increases energy or performance.
Phosphorus contributes to the normal function of cell membranes. [2][1]
Phosphorus is a component of phospholipids in cell membranes. The authorised claim applies only to foods that qualify as at least a source of phosphorus; it does not establish an additional benefit from supplements when intake is adequate.
Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. [2][1]
This claim may only be used for foods that qualify as at least a source of phosphorus. It concerns normal bone structure and is not a claim about preventing osteoporosis or fractures.
Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth. [2][1]
This claim may only be used for foods that qualify as at least a source of phosphorus. It describes normal physiological function and does not establish that extra phosphorus prevents tooth decay or other dental disease.
EFSA sets an Adequate Intake for phosphorus of 550 mg per day for adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. [5]
This reference value concerns total intake, not a supplement dose. Evidence was insufficient to derive an Average Requirement or Population Reference Intake, so it is not a precisely established minimum requirement.
Supplemental phosphate reduced urinary calcium and generally improved calcium balance in a meta-analysis; benefits for bone density or fracture risk were not demonstrated. [3]
The analysis included 12 studies with 269 apparently healthy adults. Many studies were methodologically weak and assessed surrogate outcomes only. Bone density and fractures were not assessed, so long-term benefits or safety cannot be inferred.
Some small studies suggest that sodium phosphate may improve certain exercise-performance measures, but a dependable benefit has not been established. [6]
A systematic review included 17 phosphate studies with 247 participants, predominantly men. Protocols and outcomes differed, and no pooled phosphate effect was calculated. These findings do not support routine supplementation. Milligrams of sodium phosphate are not equivalent to milligrams of elemental phosphorus.
Small studies suggest that phosphorus taken with a meal may increase post-meal thermogenesis; a long-term health benefit has not been established. [4]
A 2026 systematic review reported positive findings in three of four thermogenesis studies. Positive acute studies used 500 mg phosphorus. The authors rated certainty for this short-term outcome as moderate; evidence for a meaningful long-term benefit remains limited.
Limited research suggests favourable weight and waist changes with phosphorus taken at meals in adults with overweight or obesity; a sustained benefit has not been established. [4]
Longer-term findings in a 2026 review relied on a 12-week trial using 375 mg phosphorus with each main meal, totalling 1,125 mg daily. Satiety and subsequent food intake also showed favourable signals. This does not establish a general recommendation for weight management.
There is insufficient evidence that supplemental phosphorus consistently improves post-meal glucose, insulin or lipid responses in healthy adults. [4]
In a 2026 systematic review, four of five glycaemia studies and three of four lipid studies found no significant effect. The authors rated certainty as low. The findings do not support a recommendation to improve these metabolic measures.
In chronic kidney disease, reduced phosphate excretion can lead to phosphorus retention and disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism. [7]
Findings from studies in healthy adults cannot be extrapolated to people with chronic kidney disease. If your kidney function is impaired, do not use phosphorus supplements without medical advice.
Safety information
Side effect
Digestive effects from higher supplement doses
Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting have been observed in some people taking supplements providing more than 750 mg phosphorus daily. This amount is not an official upper limit and does not mean that lower doses are always safe. [9]
Upper level
No EFSA nutrient upper intake level established
EFSA could not establish a tolerable upper intake level for phosphorus because the evidence was insufficient. This does not mean that unlimited intake is safe; approximately 3,000 mg daily must not be presented as an EFSA upper limit. [9]
Upper level
EFSA phosphate ADI: distinct from a nutrient upper limit
In its reassessment of phosphate additives, EFSA established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 40 mg phosphorus per kg body weight, considering all dietary sources. This equals 2,800 mg for a person weighing 70 kg. The ADI is not a nutrient upper limit and does not apply to people with moderately to severely reduced kidney function. [10]
Upper level
US upper limits depend on age and life stage
US upper limits for healthy people cover total phosphorus from food and supplements: 3,000 mg/day for ages 1–8, 4,000 mg/day for ages 9–70, and 3,000 mg/day from age 71. For pregnancy at ages 14–50 the limit is 3,500 mg/day; for breastfeeding at ages 14–50 it is 4,000 mg/day. No upper limit is established under 12 months. These values are not intake targets or EFSA limits. [7]
Caution
Individual advice is needed for kidney disease
With reduced kidney function, phosphate can accumulate and contribute to mineral and bone disorders and calcification. If you have kidney disease, discuss phosphorus supplements and any dietary adjustments with your care team; limits for healthy people do not provide reliable reassurance. [7][10]
Caution
Routine additional phosphorus is not recommended by BfR
BfR recommends against the targeted addition of phosphorus for nutritional purposes to supplements or fortified foods. This is a risk-management recommendation, not a numerical upper limit or a prohibition on medically prescribed replacement. [11]
Interaction
Some antacids reduce phosphorus absorption
Aluminium-hydroxide antacids bind phosphorus in the gut; prolonged use, particularly for at least three months, can cause or worsen low blood phosphate. Calcium carbonate can also reduce phosphorus absorption. If you take these medicines regularly, seek medical advice rather than adding phosphorus supplements yourself. [7]
Side effect
Sodium-phosphate medicines can cause serious disturbances
Sodium-phosphate medicines can raise blood phosphate and sodium and lower calcium and potassium. Severe disturbances can cause effects including tetany and kidney failure; tissue calcification is also described. This warning concerns medicines and must not be extrapolated to usual phosphorus intake from food. [12]
Caution
Kidney risk with oral sodium-phosphate bowel preparations
Rare serious kidney injury has been reported after oral sodium-phosphate bowel preparations, including in people without identifiable risk factors. Medical assessment is particularly important with older age, dehydration, kidney disease, active colitis or delayed bowel transit. This concerns bowel-cleansing doses, not ordinary dietary intake. [13][14]
Interaction
Review medicines before sodium-phosphate bowel cleansing
Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and NSAIDs can increase concern about kidney or electrolyte problems with sodium-phosphate bowel preparations. The reviewed Phospho-soda product also requires caution with lithium and QT-prolonging medicines; bowel cleansing can impair absorption of other oral medicines. Have your medicines reviewed beforehand and do not stop them yourself. [13][14]
Contraindication
Contraindications apply to the specific bowel preparation
According to the reviewed HPRA product information, Phospho-soda must not be used in conditions including renal impairment, symptomatic severe heart failure, ascites, bowel obstruction or perforation, ileus, megacolon, active inflammatory bowel disease, or below age 18. These are not contraindications to phosphorus-containing foods. Electrolyte disturbances or a sodium-restricted diet also require medical assessment. [14]
Caution
Check bowel preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The reviewed Phospho-soda product should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary; its breastfeeding instructions require a temporary interruption. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use. These restrictions concern this medicine, not phosphorus from an ordinary diet. [14]
Found in
Frequently asked questions
How much phosphorus do I need per day?
EFSA sets an adequate intake of 550 mg per day for adults, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Different values apply to other age groups.
What does the body need phosphorus for?
Phosphorus forms part of bones, teeth and cell structures, and is involved in energy transfer within cells. It also contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal cell membrane function.
Should I take a phosphorus supplement?
Routine phosphorus supplementation is not indicated. If you have chronic kidney disease, discuss your phosphorus intake with a healthcare professional.
Why does phosphorus matter in kidney disease?
In chronic kidney disease, reduced phosphate excretion can lead to phosphorus build-up and disturbances in bone and mineral metabolism.
Does phosphorus support bones and teeth?
Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. However, a benefit of extra phosphate for bones or fracture risk has not been demonstrated.
More entries
Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral. It provides structure to bones and teeth and contributes to normal muscle function, nerve transmission and blood clotting.
Copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral that your body needs in small amounts. It is involved in energy production, iron metabolism and connective-tissue formation.
Iodine
Iodine is an essential trace mineral. Your body needs it to make thyroid hormones, which help regulate metabolism and support growth and development.
Iron
Iron is an essential trace element and a component of haemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace element. Your body needs small amounts to make selenium-containing proteins involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and protection against oxidative damage.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element that you obtain through your diet. It has important roles in enzymes and other proteins.
Sources
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