The composition of human blood includes proteins, mineral salts, glucose and other vital elements. One of them is phosphorus. Deviation of the quantitative indicator of this element in the direction of increase or decrease may indicate pathological changes in the body. A general analysis will help determine the level of phosphorus in the blood and find out if it is increased or decreased. In our article, we will dwell on the norms of this inorganic compound for adults and children and tell you why the deviation from this indicator is dangerous for the body.
Phosphorus and its role for the body
To a greater extent, and this is 85% of the total volume, the macrocell is concentrated in the bones and teeth. The remainder of the phosphorus in certain proportions is in different fluids, cells and tissues of the human body. This element helps the body in energy production. If its content in the blood drops by half, the energy metabolism in the cells is significantly impaired. In addition, phosphorus is necessary for the body to perform other vital functions:
- ensuring the growth and strengthening of teeth and bones;
- normal kidney function;
- stable functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular system;
- fat metabolism;
- reproduction of genetic information;
- ensuring the growth and restoration of cells, tissues and damaged muscles.
Phosphorus is an indispensable element for the human body, which is an integral part of proteins, phospholipids and various biologically active compounds. This inorganic phosphate, in addition to the functions described above, regulates the action of other minerals, for example, zinc and magnesium.
Norms of phosphorus in the blood
On the condition of the human body, not only the lack of vitamins and minerals is negatively reflected, but also their excess. That is why it is recommended to know the norms of certain micro and macro elements. If the results of the analysis reveal deviations up or down, it may be necessary to adjust the indicators to a normal level.
The norms of phosphorus in the blood in adults and children are different. Macroelements such as phosphorus and calcium are especially acute for newborn babies. Violation of their metabolism can lead to rickets, which in advanced cases is practically not treatable.
Norms of phosphorus in the blood in children and adults:
- newborns and babies up to 1 year old - 1.60-3.10 mmol / l;
- children from 1 year and adolescents - 1.30-2.10 mmol / l;
- adults - 0.87-1.45 mmol / l;
- older people over 60 years old - 0.74-1.2 mmol / l (men), 0.90-1.3 mmol / l (women).
It should be noted that in women during the period of gestation and lactation, the phosphorus content will be slightly higher than normal.
Norms of daily consumption
To ensure energy metabolism in the cells and maintain the strength of the state of bones and teeth for adults, it is enough to receive from 0.8 to 2 g of phosphorus daily. The body will take most of this element from food.
At the same time, for pregnant and lactating women, the phosphorus norm is slightly higher and amounts to 3-3.8 g / day. This is due to the fact that at first, when the baby is born, the mother spends her own reserves of phosphorus, ensuring the normal development of the child during his intrauterine life and the formation of his bone tissue. Then, during lactation, she introduces the necessary amount of phosphoproteins into the body of the newborn, which are the main source of vitamin D. That is why in the special position of phosphorus it should receive 2 times the norm.
What products are contained in?
The most affordable and safest way to increase your phosphorus intake is to rethink your diet. These macronutrients are rich in such products:
- fish;
- processed cheeses;
- feta cheese
- mustard;
- almond;
- pistachios;
- hazelnut;
- garlic;
- beans;
- oat and barley groats;
- sour cream and cream;
- cottage cheese.
Natural and synthetic vitamins containing phosphorus are also useful, but they should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a doctor, as they may not combine well with other drugs. An excess of this macrocell in the body is almost impossible to cause a balanced diet. As a rule, excess of the norm of phosphorus in the blood is associated with pathological conditions in the body. The quantitative value of this element can be determined clinically.
Why is a blood phosphorus test performed?
Basically, the 15th element of the periodic table is present in our body in bones in the form of calcium phosphates. Only a small part of it is found in soft tissues and fluids, including blood. Phosphates are also excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, if they do not function properly, the amount of phosphorus increases significantly. It is with complaints about the condition of the kidneys and bones that the analysis is most often assigned to determine the quantitative value of these elements.
Calcium and phosphorus in the blood are responsible for the strength of our bones and teeth. But it is important that the values of these elements not only correspond to the norm, but also are in the correct ratio among themselves. So, according to various sources, calcium should be one and a half or even twice as much as phosphorus. A blood test will help to identify this.
Increased Phosphorus: Causes and Consequences
The condition of the body, in which the content of phosphates in the blood rises (more than 1.45 mmol / l), is called hyperphosphatemia. The reasons for the increase in the amount of inorganic phosphorus in the blood are as follows:
- violation of the process of excretion of phosphate by the kidneys, which may be associated with renal failure;
- long-term ingestion of food or medicine with a high content of this macronutrient;
- development of malignant tumors;
- decay of tumors after chemotherapy;
- muscle tissue destruction due to injuries;
- bone healing after a fracture;
- an overdose of vitamin D in the body.
An increase in the amount of phosphorus leads to its deposition not only in the bones, but also in other organs. As a result, there are changes in the muscles, as well as disorders in the functioning of the kidneys, nervous system, and heart. Simultaneously with the analysis of phosphorus, it is necessary to determine the level of calcium in the blood, since these two elements are directly interconnected.
How to reduce phosphorus?
It is impossible to reduce the concentration of this macrocell in the blood by just adjusting the diet. In products, it is contained in an amount that does not cause such a strong deviation from the norm. Of course, when it comes to a balanced diet, not overeating. At the same time, if the indicator of phosphorus in the blood is increased, it is guaranteed to reduce it by eliminating the causes indicated above.
Other circumstances can reduce the concentration of phosphorus in the blood serum:
- pregnancy (toxicosis);
- unbalanced diets;
- exhaustion of the body;
- lactation;
- intravenous glucose;
- decreased potassium in the body.
What is the danger of low phosphorus?
It is worth noting that the danger to the body is not only an increase in this macrocell in the blood serum, but also its deviation from the norm in the opposite direction. This condition of the body is called hypophosphatemia. Low levels of phosphorus in the blood may indicate an exhaustion of the body by starvation diets, inadequate intake of vitamin D, hypercalcemia, extensive burns, and infectious diseases of the liver and kidneys.
In addition, the following diseases can significantly reduce the level of this macrocell:
- rickets, including all its types;
- masmophilia in children from six months to a year and a half;
- primary hyperthyroidism, causing a violation of the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus;
- hypoglycemic disease;
- violation of the absorption of minerals in the body due to neglect of various diseases;
- genetic diseases.
It is proved that children whose inorganic phosphate levels are below normal grow slower than their peers, with a normal content of this macrocell in blood serum. In adults, phosphorus deficiency manifests itself in the form of reduced performance and increased fatigue, joint pain, brittle nails and hair.
How to prepare for the analysis of phosphorus?
To determine the level of this element in the blood, a simple blood test is taken from a vein in adults, and from a heel in young children. On the eve of the procedure, antacids, diuretics and laxatives should be excluded, since they can distort the test results. Blood collection must be carried out on an empty stomach in the morning (from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.). The last meal should be no later than eight hours before analysis. Before analysis, foods rich in this element should not be specially used, as this can affect the increase in the concentration of phosphorus in the blood. You can drink only ordinary purified, not mineral water. Adhering to these recommendations, you can get a reliable picture of the state of the body.