Phosphorus & Kidney Damage

Your kidneys control the balance of phosphorus in your body. Too much phosphorus or too little phosphorus can be very damaging to your body. If your kidneys are not working properly, the balance of phosphorus may be disrupted, causing all kinds of problems in your body.

Too Much Phosphorus

• Phosphorus.

  If you have too much phosphorus this will cause your body to pull calcium from your bones. If your bones don't have enough calcium they will become weak and break easily.

Long-Term Effects

• Blood vessel damage

  If the imbalance of phosphorus and calcium exists long-term, it may lead to calcium deposits in your blood vessels and heart. Having calcium deposits in your blood vessels and heart is considered a very serious condition.

Calcium Deposits

• Too much calcium.

  Too much calcium can make your blood vessels stiff and inflexible, thereby restricting blood flow to your heart and to areas where blood is needed. When this happens you may be at risk for a heart attack.

Treatment

• 2009 Guidelines

  In 2009, the National Kidney Foundation USA issued guidelines on phosphorus and bone disease. These guidelines will help your doctor and dietitian to figure out what the right balance of phosphorus is for you.

Diet and Medication

• If diet doesnt work, medication may.

  If your phosphorus level is not normal, your doctor may prescribe a phosphorus restricted diet and, if necessary, medication that will pull the phosphorus from your blood. If you have kidney disease, ask your doctor if you have the right balance of phosphorus in your body.