Phosphorus: Tips for People with Chronic Kidney Disease

Phosphorus: Tips for People with Chronic Kidney Disease

What is phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral your body uses to store energy, help muscles contract, and support bone health. A normal phosphorus blood level for a healthy individual is 2.5-4.5 mg/dL. Depending on your stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may need to reduce the phosphorus in your diet.

Why is phosphorus intake important?

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining healthy levels of minerals like phosphorus in the blood. If you have CKD, phosphorus can build up in your blood, which over time can lead to:

• Itchy skin and bone and joint pain
• Calcium being pulled from your bones, weakening them
• Calcium deposits in your blood vessels and organs, a risk for heart attack or stroke

Where is phosphorus found?

Phosphorus is naturally found in high-protein foods. About half of the phosphorus present in these foods is absorbed during digestion. Most people with CKD can eat these in moderation.

Natural Phosphorus
meat	fish	dairy	beans	nuts

Phosphorus is added to many processed foods and drinks as a preservative. Your body absorbs nearly all of the added phosphorus in processed foods.

Foods with the highest amounts phosphorus are most often processed, packaged, and fast foods.

Added Phosphorus
baking mixes	cereals	cereal bars	sport drinks
colas	chicken nuggets	lunch meat	processed cheese

How do I lower my phosphorus levels?

Portion control

• Eat smaller portions of foods high in protein.
• Choose plant-based foods more often since phosphorus is less easily absorbed from these.

Find hidden sources of phosphorus

Check the ingredients panel for the word “phosphorus” or words that contain “PHOS”.

INGREDIENTS: POTATOES, OIL (PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOY OIL), SALT, DEXTROSE, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, PHOSPHORIC ACID.

Choose foods with less phosphorus

Foods lower in phosphorus	Foods higher in phosphorus
Dairy and non-dairy: milk, soy or rice beverage, yogurt, cottage cheese, and cream cheese	Dairy and non-dairy: processed cheese: American or commodity; natural cheese:Swiss, cheddar, and mozzarella
Fresh meat: chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, pork, and moose Legumes: beans, lentils, tofu, and hummus Eggs: whole eggs, egg whites	Processed meat: hot dogs, bacon, ham, sausage, and pizza with meat Seafood: shellfish, salmon, sardines, cod, and tuna Organ meat: liver, kidney, and heart Wild game: venison, bison, and elk
Snacks: popcorn, rice cakes, and rice crispie bar	Snacks: nuts, seeds, peanut butter, and chocolate
Fruits and vegetables: raw or cooked without sauces	Vegetables prepared with sauces Packaged potatoes with "phos" ingredients
Bread: fresh bread and pita bread without “phos” ingredients Plain cereal: cornflakes, puffed rice, and oatmeal Other: corn meal and plain rice	Processed breads and cereals with "phos" additives Other: baking and pancake mixes, biscuits, cakes, and wheat bran
Drinks: fresh brewed coffee and tea, water, light colored soda, root beer, and apple, grape, and cranberry fruit juices	Drinks: bottled coffee, iced tea, dark sodas, beer, wine, energy, sports drinks, and hot cocoa

Phosphate binders

Your health care provider may prescribe phosphate binders, which are pills taken with meals to help lower the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs.