Phosphorus Deficiency symptoms, Sources and Healing properties
Functions of Phosphorus in the Body
- Phosphorus is indispensable for all active tissues. In combination with calcium, it feeds the nerves.
- It aids the growth of hair and helps counteract fatigue.
- This mineral is important for the regular functioning of the heart and for normal kidney functioning.
- Phosphorus is essential in the chemical processes involved in the utilization of carbohydrates and fats. It liberates their energy at the rate demanded by the body.
- It also helps in regulating the acid-alkaline balance of the blood, which is vital for the maintenance of health and prevention of disease.
- Phosphorus is also necessary for the formation of the phospholipids - lecithin and cephalin - which are integral parts of a cell structure and also act as intermediates in fat transport and metabolism.
- This mineral is also an essential constituent of the nucleic acid and nucleo-proteins of body cells.
Sources of Phosphorus
The most important food sources of phosphorus are wholegrain cereals, milk, and fish. Vegetables such as carrots, and leafy vegetables; fruits like black currants, raspberries, raisins, and apricots are fairly good sources. Other sources of this mineral are soya beans, lentils, and other pulses and legumes.
Symptoms of Phosphorus deficiency
- A phosphorus deficiency may cause loss of weight, retarded growth, reduced sexual powers, and general weakness.
- It may result in poor mineralization of the bones, and a deficient nerve and brain function.
- Conditions associated with calcium deficiency may also occur due to phosphorus deficiency.
- Deficiencies of phosphorus are however rare, as it is one of the elements available in large quantities in most diets.
Healing Properties of Phosphorus
While taking calcium in therapeutic doses to make up for calcium deficiency conditions or for treating certain ailments, it is advisable to take that calcium supplement in which phosphorus has been added in the correct proportions. This is necessary as calcium cannot achieve its objectives unless phosphorus is present in the required proportion.
Precautions
There are no known toxic effects of phosphorus.
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