12/6/22, 2:30 AM
Phosphorus Bioavailability-How much phosphorus do we absorb from different types of foods? – Kidney Community Kitchen
Phosphorus Bioavailability-How much phosphorus do we absorb from different types
of foods?
Posted on October 11, 2022

Submitted by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN
Phosphorus is a mineral found in our food and is essential for strong and healthy bones. But too much of anything is not good, and with
chronic kidney disease (CKD), excess phosphorus can lead to itchy skin and painful joints and cause calcium to be pulled from the bones,
making our bones weak. This occurs because the kidneys filter the minerals, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. With CKD, our kidneys
cannot filter these minerals, causing a build-up in our blood.
If you have CKD, controlling phosphorus is important. There are three different types of phosphorus to be aware of. The body absorbs each of
these differently, so it is necessary to choose phosphorus sources wisely.
Phosphorus Additives
Phosphorus additives are found in packaged and processed foods, such as bakery products (e.g. cakes or muffins), frozen entrees or proteins,
packaged meals, crackers, and non-dairy beverages.
The body absorbs 90-100% of phosphorus additives (Ref 1, 2), making it is necessary to avoid them at any stage of CKD. There are many
phosphorus additives; some common types are phosphorus acid, sodium phosphate, or monocalcium phosphate. Phosphorus additives can be
identified in the ingredient list by the “PHOS.”
Animal Sources
The phosphorus found in meat and dairy is less well absorbed by the body, between 30-80%, compared to phosphorus additives, which are
absorbed at 90-100% (Ref 1, 4, 5). With CKD, a reduction in animal protein is often recommended to help preserve kidney function. This also
helps manage phosphorus, as meals containing high animal protein can increase phosphorus values.
At meals, aim to limit portions of animal protein to 2.5 to 3 oz. per meal — about the size of a deck of cards.
Plant Sources
Plant-based products have the lowest absorption rate compared to other sources of phosphorus. These include nuts, seeds, legumes, beans,
and whole grains. It is estimated plant sources of phosphorus are absorbed at 20-40% (Ref 1, 3, 4). This is one reason recent recommendations
have included whole grains and plant-based proteins in a kidney-friendly diet.
https://www.kidneycommunitykitchen.ca/dietitians-blog/phosphorus-bioavailability-how-much-phosphorous-do-we-absorb-from-different-types-of-foods/
1/3
12/6/22, 2:30 AM
Phosphorus Bioavailability-How much phosphorus do we absorb from different types of foods? – Kidney Community Kitchen
Aim to have one plant-based meal daily to help control your phosphorus levels.
Conclusion
Managing phosphorus in your diet is a complex task when you have CKD. Phosphorus management and reduction that begins in the early
stages of CKD will continue through dialysis treatments. Working with a registered dietitian can help keep your phosphorus values on target.
The chart below shows how each source of phosphorus is absorbed differently by the body.
Food Source
Absorption
Food examples
Example
Plant sources
20-40%
Chickpeas, lentils, nuts, seeds
Chickpeas (½ cup) 146 mg with 29 –
58 mg absorption
Animal sources
30-80%
Chicken, fish, beef, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese
Chicken (75 g) 160 mg with 48 – 128
mg absorption
Phosphorus
additives
90 –
100%
Foods with “PHOS” in the ingredient list (e.g. dark pops, some
crackers, cereals or packaged foods)
References:
1. Kalantar-Zadeh K, et al. Understanding Sources of Dietary Phosphorus in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. CJASN.
2010, 5 (3) 519-530.
2. D’Alessandro, C., Piccoli, G.B. & Cupisti, A. The “phosphorus pyramid”: a visual tool for dietary phosphate management in dialysis and CKD
patients. BMC Nephrol. 2015, 16 (9).
3. St-Jules, D. E., Jagannathan, R., Gutekunst, L., Kalantar-Zadeh, K., & Sevick, M. A. Examining the Proportion of Dietary Phosphorus From
Plants, Animals, and Food Additives Excreted in Urine. Journal of renal nutrition. 2017, 27(2), 78–83.
4. Rose SD, Strombom AJ, et al. A Plant-based Diet Prevents and Treats Chronic Kidney Disease. JOJ Urology and Nephrology. 2019, 6 (3).
5. Calvo MS, Moshfegh AJ, Tucker KL. Assessing the Health Impact of Phosphorus in the Food Supply: Issues and Considerations. Adv Nutr.
2014, 5(1), 104-13.
https://www.kidneycommunitykitchen.ca/dietitians-blog/phosphorus-bioavailability-how-much-phosphorous-do-we-absorb-from-different-types-of-foods/
2/3
12/6/22, 2:30 AM
Phosphorus Bioavailability-How much phosphorus do we absorb from different types of foods? – Kidney Community Kitchen
https://www.kidneycommunitykitchen.ca/dietitians-blog/phosphorus-bioavailability-how-much-phosphorous-do-we-absorb-from-different-types-of-foods/
3/3