Phosphorus

ElectrolytesBone & MuscleBlood

The body needs phosphorus for building and repairing bones and teeth, for nerves to work, and for muscles to contract.

Why it matters: The level of phosphate in the blood affects the level of calcium: as blood calcium rises, phosphate falls.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it

Reference Range
0.81 – 1.45mmol/L
0.81
1.45LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May decrease with:

Diabetic ketoacidosis
Alcohol use disorder
Sepsis
Severe burns
Hyperparathyroidism
Vitamin D deficiency
Malabsorption
Diuretic medicines
Overuse of antacids
Iron infusions
Related Markers
CalciumPTHVitamin D
Common questions

What is Phosphorus?

The body needs phosphorus for building and repairing bones and teeth, for nerves to work, and for muscles to contract.

What might a high or low Phosphorus mean?

The level of phosphate in the blood affects the level of calcium: as blood calcium rises, phosphate falls.

What is the typical reference range for Phosphorus?

The general-population reference range shown here is 0.81 – 1.45 mmol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Phosphorus?

It may be lower with: Diabetic ketoacidosis, Alcohol use disorder, Sepsis, Severe burns, Hyperparathyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency, Malabsorption, Diuretic medicines, Overuse of antacids, Iron infusions.

More in Electrolytes
CalciumCalcium/Albumin RatioCalcium/Phosphorous RatioChlorideIonized CalciumMagnesiumPotassiumPTHSodiumSodium/Potassium Ratio

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