Question

1) The nutrient you will educate us on is phosphorus PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

2) Why we need the nutrient or what it provides the body.  

b)Example: Chromium's main function is to increase insulin's effectiveness in cells.

3) What foods contain the nutrient and how much of the food or foods do we need daily?

Answer 1

2) The phosphorus is required in the body to maintain the following functions:

a) It works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.

b) It helps in protein synthesis as it is the component and backbone of DNA and RNA which carry the genetic information and used to make protein.

c) It helps in energy production as it is commonly present in the body as phosphate which plays an important role in production of energy as component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

d) It acts as buffer to neutralise acid to maintain blood pH. Many enzymes and hormones contain phosphorus as structural component.

3) The protein rich foods like meat, milk, egg, fish, legumes, nuts cereals and grains are the sources of phosphorus. The carbonated beverages are also supply phosphorus.

The RDA of phosphorus for adults is 400 mg/day.

The tolerable amount is 4 gm/day.