Phosphorus

​Phosphorus isn't a nutrient that we often consider, but surprisingly, it plays an extremely important role in the overall health of our bodies. We often forget that we are bio-chemical-electrical beings. It's easy to exist in this form while simultaneous disregarding it. But, even though phosphorus might be easily overlooked, it doesn't change the fact that it is crucial in the upkeep of our biology, chemical and hormonal balance, and energy production. Even though it exists outside of our awareness, it still has been overseeing the structure of your genetic code (DNA), and the duplication of that code to form new cells so that we can grow and heal. Without healthy levels of phosphorus, your body would dwindle and die. It wouldn't be able to absorb nutrition from your diet, expel wastes, or even have a skeleton by which we can hold up our soft water filled flesh. It is an essential nutrient and one that restores profound levels of health if introduced often to the cells.

Bones
Phosphorus and Calcium bind together to make Calcium Phosphate. Calcium Phosphate is what makes up the majority of your bones, teeth, and enamel. It’s important to note that Phosphorus and Calcium have an inverse relationship in the body. When Phosphorus and Calcium ratios are out of balance in the blood, the Parathyroid gland will release PTH (Parathyroid Hormone), which tells the kidneys to release Sulfated Vitamin D so that more calcium can be absorbed through the intestines. Simultaneously the PTH influences the bones to release calcium and phosphorous throughout the body. Once proper phosporus and calcium levels are reach, any excess of these minerals is eliminiated via the kidneys. Without an adequate amount of Phosphorus in the body, osteoporosis can creep much easier. (1)

RNA and DNA
Phosphorus is a major component of DNA and RNA. Phosphate groups in combinations with ribose sugars and 4 different nitrogen-containing compounds come together to form nucleic acids ie. RNA and DNA. Without these Phosphates, the famed Double Helix would not be able to form. 

Our DNA and RNA contain certain codes which influence the creation of specific proteins. Proteins are comprised of amino acids that we absorb in our diets. The synthesizing of these proteins is vital as almost everything in the body utilizes them (enzymes, hormones, muscles, etc.). (2)

Cellular Health
Phosphorus is also crucial in the formation of Phospholipids. Phospholipids are primarily used in the formation of cell membranes. They form what is called a bi-layer, which is exactly what it sounds like, a double layer of Phospholipids. Naturally, this phospholipid barrier forms a circular encasing of our cells. The way in which this the Phospholipids form this circular enclosure is quite interesting. They are made up of fatty acids (usually Hydrogen and Carbon - referred to as the "tail") which are hydrophobic (repel water) and phosphate groups ( Phosphorus and Oxygen - referred to as the "head") which are Hydrophilic (absorb water). The Heads all line up side by side facing outwardly, with the tail facing the inside. A second layer forms in the opposite manner on the inside of the cell(3). This bi-layer when healthy acts as the gatekeeper, it chooses which nutrients get let in and out to ensure proper functioning. This formation is also created in the nuclear envelope, which is a membrane that encloses the mitochondria inside these cells. This nuclear envelope is where all energy production happens in the form of ATP. ​

Energy
The process of Phosphorylation is the main way in which our body produces ATP (energy), either from carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. The most common cycle begins through the process of Glycolysis (conversion of glucose), then moves on to the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), finally finishing with oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport into the cell). All this results in the production of ATP.

First "ADP is built with a few component molecules. It starts with adenine, which is one of the purine bases that contain information within DNA. When the adenine is joined with a sugar molecule, it becomes a nucleoside called adenosine. Then adenosine can accept a phosphate group, or two, or three. A phosphate group is built from one atom of phosphorus attached to three oxygen atoms. An adenosine with one phosphate group attached is called adenosine monophosphate, or AMP -- and it is also now called a nucleotide. Add another phosphate group and you get adenosine diphosphate, or ADP. Throw on one more phosphate group and you get adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. AMP, along with three other monophosphate nucleotides, are the components of DNA.

Without ADP and ATP, there would be almost no life on Earth. Plants and animals use ADP and ATP to store and release energy. ATP has more energy than ADP, which means it takes energy to make ATP from ADP, but it also means that energy is released when ATP is converted to ADP. Living organisms constantly cycle between ATP and ADP. Starting with ADP, plants put energy from sunlight into the formation of ATP, while animals take energy from glucose to build ATP from ADP. Living organisms cycle through their entire store of ATP and ADP about once a minute. If you couldn't recycle your ADP into ATP, you would need to eat your body weight in ATP every day just to stay alive."

https://sciencing.com/what-does-adp-in-biology-do-12072977.html

ATP is the main compound used to create energy in our bodies. There are alternative forms of energy as well such as the sodium-potassium pump, or ph shifts. But, the body mostly relies on ATP for its energy needs. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is produced by the mitochondria of our cells. without a sufficient amount of Phosphorus this process is hampered due to the lack of Phosphoryl groups. 

ATP being the source of energy for our cells influences everything from muscle contractions to nerve signaling. This means organs, such as the heart, need ATP in order to beat and function properly. This applies to almost every part of a healthy functioning body.  In order for hormones to be secreted and balanced, enzymes to be produced, neurotransmitters to be regulated, all the way down to basic acts like walking, all require ATP, which without Phosphorus would not be possible.(4)

This is essentially why Phosphorus can be considered a backbone element to our entire experience. 

Blood and pH
Phosphorus also helps to control the pH (acidity/alkalinity) of the body by acting as a buffer. Buffers work in the blood by having a weak acid and its conjugate base, in this case, it’s phosphoric acid and dihydrogen phosphate. The pH balance is dependent upon the ratios of Hydrogen to Oxygen in the blood. Acids work to absorb excess oxygen whereas the bases’ bind to Hydrogen. This excess of either Hydrogen or Oxygen is then shuttled to the kidneys and excreted via Urine. 

Due to Phosphorus being found in the body in its’ Phosphate state it acts as an electrolyte. Along with other minerals such as Potassium and Magnesium, Phosphates play a critical role in regulating uric acid, sodium, water, and fat within the body, all through regulating the kidneys excretion process (urination). 

Phosphorus is also found to help oxygenate the blood in another way. The compound 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin. When this oxygen is released it is able to be transported to the areas of the body in need. More oxygen equates to an alkaline state, phosphorus playing an important role in this process.


Phosphorus Deficiency:
Although most people get plenty of phosphorus in their diets, certain health conditions like diabetes, starvation the nutrient malabsorption, and alcoholism can cause levels of phosphorus in the body to fall.  Some medications, such as certain antacids and diuretics can also lower phosphorus levels.

Diseases such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients, especially phosphorus.

Signs, symptoms of Phosphorus Deficiency are:

Weak/loss of appetite
Afternoon coffee/sugar craving
poor Metabolism
Low energy/stamina.
Very easily irritated
Numb/burning/tingling extremities
(Slight/severe) diffuse bone pain
Anxiety
Fatigue
Irritability
Joint Stiffness
Heart palpitations
Difficulty in breathing
Cramping
Stress fractures
Brittle bones and teeth

Low energy/stamina
Sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate is often used by endurance athletes in order to increase aerobic capacity and athletic performance.  Phosphates reduce the effects of lactic acid build-up in the muscles; they help make oxygen delivery to the muscles more efficient; they are used in the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (the chemical form of energy within cells) and Creatine Phosphate (an immediate energy store) and therefore are believed to increase the chemical energy stored within cells.
Counter-indicators

Joint pain/swelling/stiffness
If you constantly feel stiff, you may be suffering from a phosphorus deficiency.  Phosphorus plays an important role in developing and maintaining not only healthy bones and teeth but also joints.

Broken bones
Phosphorus is just as important as calcium for building strong bones.  If you suffer broken bones, this may indicate bone weakness that is due to mineral deficiencies.

Risk factors for Phosphorus Deficiency:
Magnesium is required for your body to properly utilize phosphorus.  If you're not getting enough magnesium in your diet, your body might be unable to absorb sufficient phosphorus.


Resources and cited info:
1. http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/thyroid/calcium.html
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22490/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26871/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3360099/

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