Phosphorus is a mineral that plays an important role in forming cells and body tissues. However, if there is a buildup of phosphorus in the body, a number of health problems can occur. Then, what are the impacts that can be caused by the accumulation of phosphorus? Let's see the explanation in the following article.
Phosphorus is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. In the body, phosphorus has various important roles, such as forming and strengthening bone and tooth tissue, providing energy for the body, producing protein, and maintaining muscles, nerves, heart, and kidneys.
The recommended daily intake of phosphorus varies from person to person depending on age. The recommended amount of phosphorus intake is as follows:
- For adults, as well as pregnant and lactating women is 700 mg per day.
- For babies it ranges from 100-250 mg per day.
- Children aged 1-9 years need 500 mg per day,
- Children and adolescents aged 10-18 years need about 1200 mg per day.
Although it has a function that is quite important for the body, the accumulation of phosphorus can actually be bad for the body. This condition of excess phosphorus in the body is medically called hyperphosphatemia.
Causes of Phosphorus Accumulation in the Body
Phosphorus buildup can be caused by certain conditions or diseases, including:
Chronic kidney failure
One of the functions of the kidneys is to remove toxins and excess fluids and minerals in the body through urine. When the kidneys cannot function properly, for example due to chronic kidney failure, minerals and toxins will accumulate in the body.
As a result, levels of toxins, electrolytes, and minerals (including phosphorus) in the blood will rise too high.
Hypoparathyroid
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition when the parathyroid glands in the body secrete only small amounts of parathyroid hormone. This hormone functions to control phosphorus and potassium levels in the blood.
When the production of parathyroid hormone does not match the needs, the body's function to control hormone production will decrease. This condition can trigger increased levels of phosphorus and decreased levels of calcium in the blood (hypokalemia).
Uncontrolled diabetes
Diabetes can also be the cause of the accumulation of phosphorus in the body. Uncontrolled diabetes causes high blood sugar levels which can trigger damage to body organs, one of which is the kidneys (diabetic nephropathy). People with diabetes are also at risk for a dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Some of the complications of diabetes will then cause various complications, one of which is the accumulation of phosphorus in the body.
In addition to some of the conditions mentioned above, there are several other conditions that can cause a buildup of phosphorus in the body, including:
- Excess vitamin D
- Serious infection throughout the body (sepsis)
- Serious injury
- Rhabdomyolysis
Beware of Signs of Phosphorus Accumulation in the Body
Increased levels of phosphorus in the body often do not show typical symptoms. Signs and symptoms that appear actually come from the cause that triggers hyperphosphatemia or if it has caused damage to the body's organs.
If this happens, phosphorus buildup can show several symptoms, such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body feels weak
- Hard to breathe
- Restless and sleepless
- Bone and joint pain
- Stiff muscles
- Decreased appetite
- Itchy and red skin
- tingling
If you experience some of the symptoms above, especially if you have co-morbidities that have been mentioned previously, then you should immediately consult a doctor for further examination and treatment.
To overcome the accumulation of phosphorus, the doctor will treat the accompanying disease first. In addition, the doctor may recommend certain diets or diets to limit the amount of phosphorus consumed.
