Top 12 Foods That Are High in Phosphorus

People with kidney disease should limit their phosphorous intake or completely avoid foods with it according to their doctor’s advice. In the case of kidney failure, the kidneys cannot effectively remove phosphorus from the body, leading to its accumulation in the body.

1. Seafood

Phosphorus is abundantly present in seafood. Seafood has omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for heart and brain health.

2. Dairy

Apart from being rich in phosphorous, dairy products have the following vitamins and minerals in abundance:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Potassium

3. Beans and lentils

Beans and lentils have phosphorus in abundance, even with reduced absorption. Aside from phosphorous, they are rich in:

• Folate
• Fiber
• Magnesium
• Copper

Some beans high in phosphorous are:

• Small white beans
• Great northern beans
• Chickpeas

4. Poultry

Poultry is an excellent source of phosphorous.

Other poultry meats high in phosphorous include:

• Lean ground turkey
• Turkey breast
• Chicken thigh

5. Peas

Peas are high in phosphorous like beans and lentils. They provide 94 mg of phosphorous. About 50 percent is absorbed by the body.

Apart from phosphorous, peas have:

• Vitamin K
• Manganese
• Folate
• Fiber
• Vitamin C
• Copper
• Catechin
• Epicatechin
• Alpha-linoleic omega-3 fatty acids

6. Squash and pumpkin seeds

Other nuts and seeds high in phosphorous are:

• Hemp seeds
• Chia seeds
• Brazil nuts

Nuts and seeds are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fats, and other heart-healthy minerals.

7. Whole grains

Whole grains are a rich source of phosphorous, especially wheat, oats, and rice. Phosphorous is mainly present in the outer layer of the whole grain. Refined grains do not contain these layers and hence, lack phosphorous. Whole grains have these layers intact, so they have a high amount of phosphorous.

Phosphorous is mostly present as phytic acid, which is not readily absorbed. Soaking, sprouting, or fermenting breaks down phytic acid and makes phosphorus ready for absorption.

8. Quinoa

Quinoa has plenty of phosphorous.

Quinoa is abundant in the following nutrients:

• Protein
• Vitamin E
• Omega-6
• Polyphenols
• Phytosterols
• Flavonoids

9. Pork

Pork tenderloin has the most amount of phosphorous, and pork chops have the least. Bacon has a slightly better amount of phosphorous. A three-ounce or 85 grams cooked pork contains 25 to 32 percent of the recommended dietary intake of phosphorous depending on the cut.

The cooking method can affect the phosphorous content of pork. Different ways of cooking methods and the amount of phosphorus preserved are:

• Dry heat cooking preserves 90 percent of the phosphorus
• Boiling can minimize phosphorus levels by roughly 25 percent

10. Soy

11. Processed meats

Beef, lamb, pork, and chicken products are often injected with phosphate additives to keep the meat tender and juicy. These phosphorous are nearly 100 percent absorbable and can provide 300 to 1000 mg of phosphorous per day.

12. Baked goods

Baked goods may have phosphate additives as leavening agents, and they include:

• Biscuits
• Pancake mixes
• Toaster pastries

Look out for ingredients with the word phosphate to know if the item consists of phosphorous. Excess phosphorous intake can cause bone loss and increase the risk of death.

The following people are at high risk of experiencing phosphorous deficiency:

• Alcoholics: Alcohol can absorb phosphorus supplies from bones, causing depleted phosphorous levels in the body.
• Consuming salt substitutes: Salt substitutes with potassium may decline phosphorus levels in the long term.
• Athletes: Athletes who run long distances may lose electrolytes via sweat. Thus, they need to replenish their electrolyte levels, including phosphorous.
• Dehydration: Dehydration could be caused by alcohol or diarrhea. Other reasons leading to dehydration need to be corrected immediately to prevent the loss of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Drugs that may lower phosphorus levels:

• Cyclosporine (immune suppressant)
• Digoxin or Lanoxin (cardiac glycosides)
• Heparins (blood-thinning drugs)
• Ibuprofen or Advil (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Antacids with aluminum, calcium, or magnesium can hinder phosphorus absorption in the digestive system.
• Anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbital and carbamazepine or Tegretol, can reduce the phosphorous level in the body by creating enzymes that obstruct phosphorous absorption.
• Bile acid sequestrants lower cholesterol levels in the blood and can prevent the absorption of phosphorous from the body.
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or Medrol (methylprednisolone), can raise phosphorous excretion in the urine.
• High doses of insulin may lower phosphorus absorption.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may lower phosphorous levels and include:
  • Lotensin (benazepril)
  • Capoten (captopril)
  • Vasotec (enalapril)
  • Monopril (fosinopril)
  • Zestril, Prinivil (lisinopril)
  • Accupril (quinapril)
  • Altace (ramipril)