Phosphorus is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and is also available as a supplement
. It plays multiple roles in the body, including being a key element of bones, teeth, and cell membranes, activating enzymes, and keeping blood pH within a normal range
. Phosphorus also regulates the normal function of nerves and muscles, including the heart, and is a building block of our genes, as it makes up DNA, RNA, and ATP, the body’s major source of energy
. Most of the phosphorus in the human body is in bones and teeth, and the rest is distributed throughout the body
. Phosphorus is also an essential plant nutrient and is found in phosphate, which is a component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids
. The richest sources of phosphorus are dairy, red meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, and nuts
. Phosphorus from animal foods is absorbed more efficiently than from plant foods, which contain a storage form of phosphorus called phytates or phytic acid that can reduce the mineral’s absorption
. Inorganic phosphorus is a processed form added to foods to preserve color, moisture, and texture, and is found in fast foods, deli meats, canned and bottled beverages, and many other processed foods
