Hypophosphatemia is a condition in which phosphate levels are too low.
You also need phosphate to keep bones and teeth strong.
Causes
Hypophosphatemia can be due to health conditions, medical treatments, or malnutrition.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Intravenous Phosphate
Some people are unable to be helped by oral phosphate treatment.
Your healthcare professional will decide which method is best and what dosage is right for you.
Summary
Hypophosphatemia is a condition in which phosphate levels decrease below 2.5 mg/dL.
When phosphate levels get too low, your heart, lungs, and brain can be damaged.
Medical conditions, medications, injury, and lifestyle can cause hypophosphatemia.
These include severe burns, diabetic ketoacidosis, alcohol use disorder, and chemotherapy drugs.
Outcomes depend on what caused hypophosphatemia.
But getting phosphate levels back to normal is the main goal.
This includes oral treatment with tablets or intravenous treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Early stages of hypophosphatemia may not show any symptoms.
You may find out you have it during routine blood work.
Or perhaps you have diabetes and develop hypophosphatemia during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis.
In either case, phosphate-replacement treatment can return phosphate levels to normal.
you’re free to lessen your chances of getting hypophosphatemia.
If you are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, seek help.
After treatment, if you experience any symptoms of hypophosphatemia, contact your healthcare provider right away.
For most people, hypophosphatemia shows no symptoms.
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