Phosphorus

Recommended Daily Allowance: (FDA) 500 mg for infants.

            1000 mg for adults.

                        1300 mg for pregnant and lactating women.

Physiological Effects: Aids calcium in normal dental and bony physiology.  Aids in maintaining normal blood pH.  Constituent of nucleoproteins.  Utilized in kidney and nerve functions.  A part of phospholipids, of enzymes and carbohydrate metabolism.  Part of myelin sheath of nerves.  Normal body balance is 1 part phosphorus to 2-1/2-part calcium.  Stimulates muscle contraction.  Promotes hormonal secretions.  Plays a part in almost every chemical reaction in the body.  Aids utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for growth, repair, and maintenance of cells and for the production of energy.  Important for heart regularity.

Deficiency Disorders: Anorexia, loss of weight, irregular breeding, pyorrhea, physical and mental fatigue, obesity.

Natural Sources: Meat, seafoods, poultry, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, cereals, nuts, bone meal, wheat germ, seeds.

Synergistic Substances: Vitamin A and D, fatty acids, calcium, iron, manganese and protein.

Antagonistic Substances: Sugar, aluminum, iron, milk of magnesium and other antacids, excessive consumption of sugar.