Requirements

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)

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Last modified: Monday, 13 February 2012, 10:47 AM