Phosphate, inorganic

Phosphate is the most common mineral in the body after calcium. The body contains approximately 700 g of phosphate. About 85% of the phosphate is found in the bones as calcium phosphate, and only approximately 1% of it circulates free in the blood.

Phosphate is used for energy production in cells, regulating the body’s acid-base balance and the functioning of muscles and nerves. Phosphate plays an important role in the formation of bones and teeth. The body regulates the amount of phosphate by regulating its absorption from the gut and secretion from the kidneys. Vitamin D regulates the absorption of phosphate from the gut, and parathormone (PTH) regulates the secretion of phosphate from the kidneys.

We get phosphate from food in its natural, organic form, and also phosphate in inorganic form. Natural phosphate is abundant in whole-grain products, dairy products, and fresh meat and fish. The inorganic form of phosphate comes from additives and preservative agents added to food. Phosphate from additives is absorbed by the body twice as effectively as natural (organic) phosphate. Additives that contain a lot of phosphate are typically found in processed meat, processed cheese, and meat products.

When should phosphate be measured?

Phosphate is most commonly measured when investigating diseases of the parathyroid gland, vitamin D metabolism disorder, diseases of the bones, and kidney function.

Phosphate should also be measured when the following symptoms occur, for example:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Depression
• Memory disorders
• Joint pain
• Constipation
• Muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Disorientation
• Vomiting

What does a phosphate test measure?

The test measures the amount of free phosphate in the blood. It is important to note that only approximately 1% of the phosphate in the body is free in the blood.