The Importance of Phosphorus in Human Health and Nutrition

Phosphorus is a mineral that plays a crucial role in the formation of bones and teeth, energy production, and cell growth. It is found in various foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and nuts.

Phosphorus FAQ

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What is phosphorus a component of?

Phosphorus is a component of bones, teeth, DNA, and RNA [ 1 ]. In the form of phospholipids, phosphorus is also a component of cell membrane structure and of the body’s key energy source, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Many proteins and sugars in the body are phosphorylated.

What are the properties of phosphorus?

Properties: The melting point of phosphorus (white) is 44.1°C, boiling point (white) is 280°C, specific gravity (white) is 1.82, (red) 2.20, (black) 2.25-2.69, with a valence of 3 or 5. There are four allotropic forms of phosphorus: two forms of white (or yellow), red, and black (or violet).

Why is phosphorus important?

Phosphorus is an element essential to sustaining life largely through phosphates, compounds containing the phosphate ion, PO 43−. Phosphates are a component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids, complex compounds fundamental to cells. Elemental phosphorus was first isolated from human urine, and bone ash was an important early phosphate source.

Is phosphorus a supplement?

No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Next to calcium, phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the human body, accounting for about 1% of your total body weight. The bones and teeth contain about 85% of the body's total phosphorus. In the body, phosphorus exists as phosphate, which is a salt of phosphorus.

What are phosphorus facts?

Phosphorus is the 15th element of the periodic table. These phosphorus facts contain chemical and physical data along with general information and history.

What is the atomic number of phosphorus?

Basic Phosphorus Facts Name: Phosphorus Atomic Number: 15 Element Symbol: P Group: 15 Period: 3 Block: p Element Family: Nonmetal Atomic Mass: 30.973 761 998 (5) Electron Configuration: [Ne]3s 2 3p 3 (shorthand) or 1s 2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 2 3p 3 (full) Discovery: Hennig Brand in 1669. German alchemist Hennig Brand isolated phosphorus from urine.

What type of element is phosphorus?

Phosphorus (pronunciation: FOS-fer-es) is a highly-reactive element classified as a non-metal represented by the chemical symbol P [1, 2, 3]. It mainly exists in its two allotropic forms, including the waxy, white solid and the non-crystalline, solid red that is obtained by heating white phosphorus [3, 4, 5].

Where is phosphorus found?

Phosphorus is an element of great biological value. It is the 6 th most abundant element in the living systems. The largest natural reserves of phosphorus are present in Arab region. Other countries or regions that are significant producers of phosphorus include Russia, China, Florida and Morocco .