Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 35 : Phosphorus

Deficiency

Phosphorus deficiency is very rare in human beings. Abnormally low serum phosphate levels (hypophosphatemia) are seen in people who use large amounts of antacids which interfere with phosphorus absorption. The effects of hypophosphatemia may include

 

Severe hypophosphatemia may result in death. Because phosphorus is so widespread in food, dietary phosphorus deficiency is usually seen only in cases of near-total starvation. Other individuals at risk of hypophosphatemia include alcoholics, diabetics recovering from an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis, and starving or anorexic patients on refeeding regimens that are high in calories but too low in phosphorus

Phosphorus content of blood serum in normal

1.	Adults is	2.5 – 4.0 mg/100ml
2.	Children	5.0 – 6.0 mg/100ml

In rickets phosphorus level is reduced to less than 3 mg/100ml