Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a natural element found in rocks, soils and organic material. The name is derived from the Greek phosphoros, meaning bringer of light, because it glows in the dark. It clings tightly to soil particles and is used by plants, so its concentrations in clean waters is generally very low. Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is required by every cell in the body for normal function. The majority of the phosphorus in the body is found as phosphate. Approximately 85% of the body's phosphorus is found in bone. Along with the B vitamins, phosphorus is needed to extract energy from food, particularly fats and starches. It is a component of healthy bones, teeth, gums and many other tissues. Phosphorus also helps with kidney functioning and heart regularity, and lessens arthritis pain. It speeds up the healing process and puts a stop to calcium loss from injury, helps break up and carry away fats and fatty acids in the blood, as well as keeping the blood balanced. Phosphorus also keeps the muscles contracting smoothly, promotes digestion of riboflavin and niacin, assures transmission of impulses from one nerve to another, and may help block cancer. Phosphorus needs proper levels of vitamin D and calcium to function properly. Sources of phosphorus include cheese, nutritional yeast, wheat germ, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cereals, legumes and fruits.