Phosphorus and Renal Diet

Phosphorus and Renal Diet

What is phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones. Along with calcium, phosphorus is needed for building healthy, strong bones.

Why is phosphorus important to you?

Normal working kidneys can excrete extra phosphorus in your blood. When your kidneys ail, eating too many foods high in phosphorus can cause your blood phosphorus levels to get too high. This will then pull calcium out of your bones and make your bones weak. Also, if the phosphorus and calcium levels get too high in your blood, your heart, blood vessels and lungs can harden due to calcium deposits. Keeping calcium and phosphorus balanced is important for strong bones.

What is a safe blood level of phosphorus?

The acceptable level of blood phosphorus is between 4.0 and 6.0 mg/dl.

Will dialysis remove extra phosphorus?

Yes. Dialysis will remove some extra phosphorus from your blood. However, phosphorus will build up again between treatments because it is found in so many of the foods you eat.

What foods have phosphorus?

Milk and milk products including cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream, custard, pudding, yogurt and soups made with milk or cream
Vegetables such as artichokes, dried beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, sweet potato, corn and green peas
Protein foods such as oysters, carp, crayfish, sardines, fish roe, beef liver, chicken liver and organ meats
Beverages such as beer, ale, dark colas, drinks made with milk, cocoa, cocoa mixes and chocolate milk
Other foods such as nuts, seeds, wheat germ, whole grain products, caramels, brewer's yeast and bran cereals.

How do I keep my phosphorus level normal?

You can keep your phosphorus level normal by controlling the amount of phosphorus in your diet. Your dietitian will show you how to do this. Also, your doctor may order a medicine called a phosphate binder for you to take with your meals and snacks.

This medicine binds some of the phosphorus in your food and sends it out through your stool.

There are many different phosphate binders. They come in pills, liquid, chewable tablets, capsules and powder form. You should only take the phosphate binder ordered by your doctor or dietitian.

What should I do if my phosphorus level gets too high?

When your phosphorus in your blood gets too high, try using some of the lower phosphorus foods for a while.

What if I have more questions?

You should speak to your doctor and renal dietitian. You may also be interested in other National Kidney Foundation publications. For a complete list of publications available on nutrition and other topics, contact your local National Kidney Foundation Affiliate.