Phosphorus and Kidney Disease

Phosphorus and Kidney Disease

 

About phosphorus

Phosphorus is the second most common mineral in your body. It helps with many body functions. It helps to build bones and teeth, make energy, and repair tissues and cells.

Phosphorus is found in most foods. Common sources are milk and dairy products, cola drinks, meats, whole grains, chocolate, legumes, nuts and seeds.

 

Phosphorus and kidney disease

Your kidneys filter waste products from the blood. Healthy kidneys are able to remove extra phosphorus in the blood. With kidney disease, the kidneys cannot remove phosphorus well.

Problems may occur if the phosphorus level is too high.

  • High phosphorus levels in the blood may cause calcium to be pulled out of bones. This calcium loss may lead to thinner and weaker bones.
  • High phosphorus and calcium levels in the blood may combine to form stone-like deposits in organs and tissues.
  • High phosphorus levels in the blood may cause calcium levels to drop. Signs include muscle cramps or spasms, bone and joint pain, itching, rash and red eyes.

 

Treatment

Diet and medicines are used to control and decrease your risk of problems with phosphorus.

  • Your doctor may order a medicine that binds with phosphorus. The medicine is taken with food to prevent phosphorus from being absorbed. Follow your doctor’s instructions for the amount and how often to take the medicine.
  • Limit or avoid high phosphorus foods. The body needs protein, so limit meat as advised by your dietitian. Read food labels carefully. Look for ingredient names with “phos” in them. For example:
    • Aluminum phosphate
    • Dicalcium phosphate
    • Hexametaphosphate
    • Phosphoric acid
    • Pyrophosphate
    • Sodium polyphosphate

 

 Foods to avoid and what to eat instead

Limit or avoid these high phosphorus foods

Use these lower phosphorus foods

Milk and milk products, such as milk, creamer, cheese, yogurt and ice creamNon-dairy creamers, unenriched rice or soy milk, cream cheese, sour cream, gelatin, sherbert, sorbet, popsicles
Dark drinks, such as beer, colas, chocolate milk, Crystal Light orange and fruit punch flavorsLemon-lime soda, homemade lemonade and iced teas
ChocolateGummy candies, hard candies, vanilla or fruit flavored sweets
Whole grain breads, cereals, crackers, brown and wild riceCorn, refined wheat or rice products, French or white bread
Nuts, seeds, nut buttersJelly, honey, butter, margarine
Processed meats, such as hot dogs, sausages, bologna, organ meats, sardinesFresh or frozen beef, lamb, pork, seafood, chicken or turkey
Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, peas, beans and legumesGreen beans, wax beans, spinach, carrots, celery or cucumber

 

© 2002 - October 27, 2020, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.