In addition to calcium, phosphorus is an important component of our bones. For this reason, it is important to think about the needs of the mineral through diet. But what happens when we don’t eat enough of it? We explain 6 symptoms of a phosphorus deficiency.
Phosphorus is an essential mineral for our body. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends that adults consume 700 milligrams of phosphorus per day. Since phosphorus is contained in many foods, a deficiency is very rare in this country. A balanced diet is the best way to prevent phosphorus deficiency. However, certain factors can favor this.
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Phosphorus deficiency: There are these causes
Although a deficiency is rare, certain medications or diseases can lead to increased phosphorus excretion . Diseases that can cause a deficiency include alcoholism, severe kidney failure, anorexia or bulimia – diseases associated with malnutrition or malnutrition. Likewise, a vitamin D deficiency, too high an iron or calcium content can limit the availability of the mineral or its absorption. Since a phosphorus deficiency can have serious consequences such as muscle weakness or heart disease, the nutrient deficiency should be taken seriously.
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Phosphorus deficiency: 6 symptoms
1. Fatigue
Tired all the time? A variety of factors can lead to fatigue, most notably lack of sleep. However, if you often struggle with fatigue or exhaustion over a longer period of time without there being a recognizable reason for it, you should see a doctor. In particular, if one of the above causes applies to you, you could be suffering from a phosphorus deficiency.
2. Appetitverlust
Loss of appetite can be triggered by both mental and physical ailments. Among other things, a lack of hunger can also indicate a phosphorus deficiency. Anyone suffering from a loss of appetite should always consult a doctor to rule out serious causes.
3. Sore muscles
Muscle pain often occurs as a result of incorrect or excessive strain, for example during sports. However, the sore muscles can also have other causes. Among other things, a lack of phosphorus can also cause muscles to hurt.
4. Weakened immune system
Do you take every cold with you? Then your immune system could be weakened. The body’s own defenses can suffer from various factors: These include an unhealthy diet, a lack of exercise or stress. But nutrient deficiencies such as a phosphorus deficiency can also weaken the immune system. So if you are frequently ill, you should seek medical advice.
5. Tingling in arms and legs
Sensory disturbances in the arms and legs, such as numbness or tingling, can be caused by a variety of reasons, with nutritional deficiencies leading the way. Both a lack of vitamin B and phosphorus.
6. Anemia
Anemia can also be caused by a phosphorus deficiency. In anemia, the blood contains too few red blood cells or not enough of the red blood pigment, which means that the body is less well supplied with oxygen. Anemia can be recognized by symptoms such as paleness, tiredness or a drop in performance. In women, however, the cause of anemia is often iron deficiency .
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By the way : Since a severe phosphorus deficiency can result in bone deformities, it should be remedied as quickly as possible, especially in children, so that growth is not disrupted.
