Are You Getting Enough Phosphorus for Healthy Bones and Teeth?

Phosphorus is essential for healthy bones and teeth but some of us may be getting too much phosphorus and not enough calcium. Learn how this could impact your health.

By Paul Smaglik
Aug 28, 2024 1:00 PM
Balancing Phosphorus and Calcium
CREDIT: Juan Roballo/Shutterstock

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It’s an old platitude and hoary chestnut: Life is all about balance.

But sometimes we can find wisdom in even the most tired cliches. Balance is especially true in terms of managing your body’s intake of its two most abundant minerals: phosphorus and calcium.

Although they each have specific functions, they work together to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. And each mineral’s efficacy depends on the amount of the other. Too much phosphorus or not enough calcium in your diet can increase the likelihood of bone diseases like osteoporosis.

Let’s take a look at what phosphorus does, and why calcium plays an equally key role in your health.

What Is Phosphorus?

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