A Quick Reference on Phosphorus

In the body, phosphorus exists primarily as phosphate, an essential ion involved in many metabolic processes, including the production of nucleotide energy carriers such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The majority of phosphate is stored in bone as hydroxyapatite, forming a slowly exchangeable pool that is available to maintain extracellular phosphate concentration during periods of reduced intake. The pool of phosphate readily available for use in the extracellular fluid accounts for less than 1% of total body phosphate. The most common causes of severe hypophosphatemia requiring treatment are intensive insulin therapy and refeeding syndrome, whereas chronic or acute renal failure is the most common cause of hyperphosphatemia.