Foods high in Phosphorus
Major mineral for bones, energy storage (ATP), and cell membranes. Widespread in protein-rich foods.
About Phosphorus
Phosphorus pairs with calcium in bone mineral and forms the backbone of DNA, cell membranes, and ATP, the body's energy currency. About 85% of total body phosphorus is in skeletal tissue.
Protein-rich foods are the densest sources: meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and whole grains all supply abundant phosphorus. Many processed foods also use phosphate additives for preservation or texture, which contribute meaningfully to total intake.
UK adult RI: 700 mg/day. Deficiency is rare in well-nourished populations. Excess is a concern in chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys can't excrete it efficiently, those patients are often advised to limit phosphate-rich processed foods.
Top food sources of Phosphorus
Top food sources are temporarily unavailable. The rest of the page still has what you came for, please try again shortly.
Common questions about Phosphorus
- How much phosphorus do I need?
- UK adult RI: 700 mg/day. Deficiency is rare in well-nourished populations.
- What foods are highest in phosphorus?
- Protein-rich foods supply abundant phosphorus, meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Many processed foods also use phosphate additives for preservation or texture.
- Are phosphate additives in processed food bad?
- For healthy kidneys, normal intake is fine. People with chronic kidney disease are often advised to limit phosphate-rich processed foods because their kidneys can't excrete it efficiently.
- Why does phosphorus matter?
- It pairs with calcium in bones, forms the backbone of DNA and cell membranes, and is part of ATP, the body's energy currency.