BEST FOOD SOURCES.
Wheat Bran, Wheat Germ, Skimmed Milk Powder, Cheeses, Mustard, Cocoa, Whole Milk Powder, Egg Yolk, Yeast, Dried Beans, Nuts, Black Chocolate, Dried Peas, Barley, Rye (whole), Dried Lentils, Sweet Corn, Dried Beef, Sardines, White Fish, Chicken, Mackerel, Brown Rice, Tuna Fish, Squashes, Tofu.
EFFECTS ON BODY.
Like Calcium, Phosphorus is essential in the structure and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth; Forms part of nuclear structure of all cells and therefore pays an important part in growth; Helps to maintain alkalinity in blood; and is necessary for the proper function of the glands; Important for Heart regularity and normal Kidney functioning. Promotes healthy gums and teeth. Lessens the pain of arthritis. By metabolising Fats and Starches helps create energy.
DEFICIENCY.
Rickets, pyorrhea.
DAILY REQUIREMENTS.
The intake of Calcium and Vitamin D affect the requirements of Phosphorus which in normal circumstances is 800-1200 Milligrams mg. for adults. Up to 2,000 Milligrams mg. for growing children and 2,500m-5,000 Milligrams mg. for pregnant and nursing women.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.
Phosphorus is stored in the body but not utilised when excess Iron, Aluminium or Manganese is present in either the body or foods ingested as it forms insoluble salts with those Minerals and so becomes useless in any benefit for the body; Dissolves in water. Deficiency causes Rickets and Pyrrhea.
CHEMICAL SYMBOL FOR PHOSPHORUS – P.