Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 35 : Phosphorus

Requirements

Phosphorus requirements depend on the availability of dietary phosphorus. The bioavailability of phosphorus present in cereals and legumes is lower (as it is present in the form of phytic acid) than that present in milk, meat, eggs and fish. Thus, phosphorus requirements of persons consuming predominantly cereal based diets will be greater than those consuming large quantities of milk, meat, eggs and fish. The optimal Ca: P ratio for infants and children is 1:1 and for adults 1:2.

Table: Requirements for phosphorus

Age group/stages of life	Requirements (mg/day)
Infants 0 – 6months 7 – 12months	250 – 300 350 – 400
Children 1 – 3 years 4 – 6 years 7 – 9 years 10 – 12 years	500 600 700 700
Adolescents Boys Girls	800 800
Adults Men Women	800 800
Pregnant	1200
Lactating	1200

Ref: Nutrition Expert group, ICMR(2010)