Phosphorus and Kidney Disease
What is phosphorus?
- A mineral that is needed for healthy bones and teeth
- Many foods contain phosphorus
- Phosphorus goal is 3.5 milligrams (mg)/deciliter (dL)-5.5 mg/dL
Why is phosphorus important?
- Too much phosphorus can make your bones weak and likely to break
- Damaged kidneys are not able to get rid of phosphorus very well
- Dialysis is helpful, but is not able to remove all phosphorus from the body
- Too much phosphorus can cause itchy skin, bone pain, heart issues, or even death
How can you control your phosphorus?
- Take your phosphorus binders every time you eat
- Come to your scheduled dialysis and stay for your full treatment
- Avoid high-phosphorus foods and control your phosphorus intake
Limit high-phosphorus foods
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Dark colas
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Hot dogs
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Bologna
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Beans and peas
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Pancakes and cakes
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Nuts and peanut butter
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Ice cream and cream
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Chocolate and chocolate cakes
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Milk and yogurt
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Cheese and macaroni and cheese
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Pudding and biscuits
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Pizza
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References
Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Renal diet cookbooks for kidney failure patients with end stage kidney disease. Available at: http://www.patientsupport.net/kidney-disease-nutrition2.html. Accessed September 16, 2010.
DaVita. Phosphorus and chronic kidney disease. Available at: http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/phosphorus-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/478. Accessed September 16, 2010.
Mayo Clinic. Low-phosphorus diet: best for kidney disease? Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/HQ01212. Accessed September 16, 2010.
ScienceDaily. Hidden phosphorus food additives dangerous to kidney disease patients. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210161912.htm. Accessed September 16, 2010.
Contributed by Nada Moghbel, dietetic intern, Texas A&M University
Review Date 9/10
G-1404
