Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth, and helps release energy from food.

Good sources of phosphorus

Phosphorus is found in many foods.

Good sources include:

• red meat
• dairy foods
• fish
• poultry
• bread
• brown rice
• oats

How much phosphorus do I need?

Adults need 550mg of phosphorus a day.

You should be able to get all the phosphorus you need from your daily diet.

What happens if I take too much phosphorus?

Taking high doses of phosphorus supplements for a short time can cause diarrhoea or stomach pain.

Taking high doses for a long time can reduce the amount of calcium in the body, which means bones are more likely to fracture.

What does the Department of Health and Social Care advise?

You should be able to get all the phosphorus you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.

If you take phosphorus supplements, it's important not to take too much as this could be harmful.

Taking 250mg or less a day of phosphorus supplements on top of the phosphorous you get from your diet is unlikely to cause any harm.