Phosphorus Part 2
Calcium and Vitamin D help promote the absorption of phosphorus in the body. Although fructose does have high levels of the mineral, it does cause a negative pH balance in the body because it causes you to lose about one-fifth of your phosphorus needs through the urine.
Although a deficiency in phosphorus is rare, it does result in weak bones and joints. It also results in weakened teeth, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Because this mineral is essential in the skeletal system, when the body does not have enough of this mineral to function properly, you can experience pain and inflammation of the joints as well as stiffness, making it difficult to move easily. The immune system of the body also becomes less effective and this leads to an increase in infections and invasion by viruses and germs.
The body is able to store high concentrations of phosphorus, which in turn means there are very few cases of toxicity from this mineral. When it does occur, though, the most serious effect is a calcification in the kidneys leading to kidney stones. This can lead to kidney damage because the kidneys are not able to excrete all the body wastes through the urine.
Hyperphosphatemia can result when the kidneys are able to function at only 20% of their normal ability. Long term overdoses of this mineral can also inhibit the body's ability to absorb the calcium it needs from the food.
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