Phosphorus
Meagan Riddick & Timothy Darville & Eileen Wentworth
What it does and How it Functions in the Body
The main function of phosphorus in the body is in the formation of bones and teeth. It helps to make protein for growth and repair body cells and tissue. All body cells contain phosphorus. 85% of all bones and teeth contain phosphorus. With calcium, phosphorus provides structure and strength. Phosphorus is also required to keep your pH level regular.
Major Sources of Phosphorus
~seeds
~cheese
~fish
~shellfish
~nuts
~pork
~beef & veal
~low-fat dairy
~tofu
~beans & lentils
What Can Happen if you Dont get Enough, or if you get too Much?
Phosphorus levels that are too high or too low can cause medical complications, like heart disease, joint pain, or fatigue. Too much phosphorus can be toxic. It can also cause diarrhea and can cause hardening of organs and soft tissues when you take in too much phosphorus. Too little phosphorus can cause joint or bone pain, loss of appetite, irritability or anxiety, fatigue, and/or poor bone development in children.
Facts
~Phosphorus is a highly reactive element and, as a result, is never found on Earth as a free element.
~Comes in different crystal forms/colors
~Touching white phosphorus can cause severe burns
~There is a phosphorus cycle that is important to animal and plant life
~Most of the phosphorus mined in the United States comes from Florida and North Carolina