Phosphorus in your diet
Q. What foods contain phosphorus? My husband has been told to eliminate these from his diet. What are we to eliminate?

Jane / Md.

A. Phosphorus is a mineral that is essential for life. It is needed to generate and regulate energy. Blood levels of phosphorus and calcium are closely balanced, and both are major components of bones and teeth.

Since the kidneys are responsible for helping to regulate phosphorus, decreasing kidney function may lead to hyperphosphatemia (high levels of phosphate in the blood). When this happens, blood calcium levels fall and the parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone. This can stimulate loss of bone and deposits of calcium and phosphorus in kidney and other tissues from the body's attempt to normalize blood calcium and phosphorus levels.

A low phosphorus diet may slow the decline in kidney function. It is also essential when kidneys have failed. Often, calcium supplements and medications that bind phosphate are needed.

It is impossible to eliminate phosphorus from the diet since most foods contain this mineral. Approximately four-fifths of dietary phosphorus is contained in milk and milk products, whole grains, and meats (including poultry, fish and eggs). Food additives also contribute a considerable amount of phosphorus, most notably baked goods and cola soft drinks.

Here is a listing of foods high in phosphorus:

Foods High in Phosphorus
Food Group Items
Milk and Milk Products: Limit the following to one serving or less per day:

Cheese (1 ounce)

Milk or yogurt (1/2 cup)

Creamed foods, creamed soups, ice cream, frozen yogurt, pudding or custard (1/2 to 1 cup)
Meat/Meat Substitutes:

Avoid the following:

Dried beans, peas, lentils

Nuts and seeds, including peanut butter

Organ meats (liver heart, kidney, brain, tongue)

Sardines

(Note: Meat, poultry and fish, eggs — quantity limited according to blood phosphate levels. Usually not to exceed 5 ounces daily.)
Breads, Cereals and Grains

Avoid the following:

Biscuits

Bran and bran cereals

Brown rice

Cornbread

Granola

Muffins

Oatmeal and oat bran

Pancakes

Pumpernickel bread

Waffles

Wheat germ

Whole grain breads and cereals

Wild rice
Vegetables Avoid the following:

Corn

Mushrooms

Peas
Fruit

Avoid the following:

Avocado

Coconut
Beverages

Avoid the following:

Beer

Carbonated cola and "pepper-type" soft drinks

Some fruit flavored soft drinks (check ingredient list and avoid those that contain phosphoric acid)
Sweets

Avoid the following:

Caramels

Chocolate

Cocoa