Phosphorus
P · last AI check: 2026-07-19
In short
The second most abundant mineral in the body after calcium. Builds bone and takes part in energy metabolism.
What it does in the body
The sentences below are officially authorised EU health claims.
Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones EU health claim
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012, Annex — list of permitted health claims · register entry: 324, 327 · EFSA opinion: 2009;7(9):1219
Condition of use on a product: The product is at least a source of Phosphorus.
Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism EU health claim
Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012, Annex — list of permitted health claims · register entry: 329, 373 · EFSA opinion: 2009;7(9):1219
Condition of use on a product: The product is at least a source of Phosphorus.
How much you need
| Country / organisation | Group | Value | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFSA | adults | AI Adequate intake — an approximate value used when data are insufficient to set an exact requirement (RDA). | |
| NASEM (US/CA) | adults | RDA Recommended daily allowance — covers the needs of almost all healthy people in a group. | |
| Philippines | adults | RNI Reference nutrient intake — the RDA equivalent in WHO/FAO, UK and Philippine terminology. | |
| Poland | adults | RDA Recommended daily allowance — covers the needs of almost all healthy people in a group. | |
| Switzerland | adults | RDA Recommended daily allowance — covers the needs of almost all healthy people in a group. | |
| United Kingdom | adults | RNI Reference nutrient intake — the RDA equivalent in WHO/FAO, UK and Philippine terminology. |
Reference values from different countries are not directly comparable — they differ in definition and age group. How to read reference values →
Every value states its source — click it to see the document, location and link.Data and content are prepared and cross-checked against source documents by several independent AI models. They have not been audited by a human editor.Before citing a value, check it in the source document — verification is automated (AI), not editorial.
Worth knowing
Phosphorus works together with calcium in building bones and teeth — the two minerals together form hydroxyapatite, the main mineral component of bone tissue. It is also part of ATP, the molecule that serves as the cell's “energy currency”.
Phosphorus is so widespread in food — especially in protein-rich and processed products (as additives E338–E341, E450 and others) — that in the typical diet of developed countries the risk is excess rather than deficiency, especially with reduced kidney function — a topic for a conversation with a doctor, not for self-diagnosis.
Where to find it
dairy products · meat and fish · eggs · legumes · wholegrain products
This material is for information and education. It does not replace advice from a doctor or dietitian. For health matters, consult a qualified medical professional.