A phosphate blood test can measure the amount of phosphorus in the blood.
For adults, a healthy range is 2.54.5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Hypophosphatemia(low phosphorus level) is diagnosed at levels lower than 2.5 mg/dL.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Having low phosphate levels is rare but dangerous.
Heres what you could do to raise your phosphate levels if you are experiencing a phosphate deficiency.
Identify the Cause
Most Americans get enough phosphate from their diets.
In America, low phosphate levels almost never occur solely because a person isnt ingesting enough phosphate.
In addition, a rare genetic disorder calledhypophosphatasiacan make it difficult for the body to utilize phosphate.
Phosphate is found naturally in dairy, meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables.
Phosphate additives account for up to 50% of daily phosphate consumption for people in Western countries.
Speak with your doctor about how you might adjust your diet to promote healthier phosphate levels.
For very low levels, you might need a supplement delivered by an intravenous line (IV).
Phosphate salts are used for supplementation, both orally and intravenously.
Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.
Phosphate salts have some side effects, including acting as a laxative.
They can also interact with medications and supplements.
Your doctor will tell you when to take your phosphate supplement.
Summary
Phosphate is an essential mineral that supports growth, strong bones, and general health.
Low phosphate levels can cause symptoms that include weakness and increased risk for infection.
If youre trying to increase your phosphate levels, talk with your healthcare provider.
Eating phosphate-rich foods is a good start, but you might also require supplementation.
You may need treatment for underlying medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or kidney disease.
They can help you understand how to take control of your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol consumption causes cells to release phosphate.
Initially, this leads to high phosphate levels in the blood.
However, as the phosphate is expelled in urine, phosphate levels can drop dangerously low.
Premature infants and people with poor nutrition are also at risk.
Hyperphosphatemia is high phosphate levels (over 4.5 mg/dL).
Kidney disease can also contribute to either hyperphosphatemia or hypophosphatemia.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Phosphorus: fact sheet for health professionals.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Phosphate salts.
Felsenfeld AJ, Levine BS.Approach to treatment of hypophosphatemia.Am J Kidney Dis.
2020;9(6):1901. doi:10.3390/jcm9061901
