| You are in > Diet & nutrition>Know your food>Minerals>Phosphorus |
| Phosphorus (P) |
| Phosphorus is a non-metallic element, which in its
unnatural free form glows in the dark and breaks into fire spontaneously upon exposure to
air. It exists in nature only in combined forms, usually with calcium. |
|
|
| Food sources |
| Phosphorus occurs in combination in many foods like
milk, carbohydrates and organ meats. Milk, meat, cheese, egg yolk and fish are excellent
sources of phosphorus. back to top |
| Functions |
| Phosphorus takes part in almost every metabolic
reaction in the body, and interacts with calcium to mineralise bones and teeth. It is an
essential element of DNA- the cells genetic material and of blood fats and cell membranes.
It is also important in the normal transmission of nerve impulses. back
to top |
| Recommended
Dietary Allowance (RDA) |
| The RDA for a normal healthy adult is 800 mg per
day. back to top |
| Related Articles
|
|
|
