Key nutrients for bone health — phosphorus

by Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD

Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, making up a full 25% of all the mineral material in the body. Nearly all the biochemical reactions taking place in the body involve phosphorus, including regulation of proteins and energy production through the process known as phosphorylation; hormone signaling, cell growth and repair; heart contraction; nerve and muscle activity; calcium, glucose, fat and starch metabolism; and pH buffering to maintain acid–alkaline balance in the body. Also of special interest to us is the fact that phosphorus combines with calcium to form a mineral crystal that gives strength and structure to our bones and teeth. Of all the phosphorus in the body, 80% of it is found in the teeth and bones in the form of crystalline bone, hydroxyapatite.

But while phosphorus is essential for bone health, too much of it is not a good thing. It must work in delicate balance with calcium in our bones and blood. The average American diet contains much more phosphorus than calcium (see table). Large amounts are found in meat, soft drinks, and processed foods. Instead of the more ideal ratio of nearly one part calcium to one part phosphorus, many Americans consume twice as much, or more phosphorus than calcium. This high phosphorus-to-calcium ratio can be detrimental to our bones.
return to table

Our Personal Program is a great place to start

At the Center for Better Bones we promote an all-natural approach to bone regeneration and repair that includes nutrition, diet, exercise, and lifestyle guidance. Our Personal Program is a convenient, at-home version of this approach.

To assess your fracture risk and the health of your bones, take our free, on-line Fracture Risk and Bone Health Profile.
To learn more about the guided, at-home Program we have developed with America’s premier women’s health clinic, Women to Women, go to The Personal Program for Better Bones.
For more information about the at-home program for Better Bones, please call The Personal Program toll-free at 1-877-200-1269.

Original Publication Date: 04/11/2000
Last Modified: 01/26/2009
Principal Author: Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD