OSTEOPOROSIS: CALCIUM TO PHOSPHORUS RATIO
A good ratio of calcium to phosphorus is about one-to-one. Better yet, would be a calcium-phosphorus relationship of two-to-one, since there is generally an overabundance of phosphorus in today’s foods and your body absorbs it more easily than calcium.
Although phosphorus is an essential mineral found in every cell and involved in metabolism, a major component of bone along with calcium, too much phosphorus in excess of calcium intake may lead to a phosphorus-calcium imbalance associated with bone loss. Research with adult animals has clearly shown that too much phosphorus in the diet, or too low consumption of calcium relative to phosphorus, can accelerate bone loss, although this finding in small animals has not yet been established in human beings. Arctic Eskimos of Canada and Alaska lose up to 20 per cent more bone than white Americans, and lose it at an earlier age, where their diet consists largely of walrus and seal meats – rich in phosphorus.
Diet surveys indicate the consumption of two to three times as much phosphorus as calcium, with large intakes of phosphorus derived from meat and animal products, breads and cereals, potatoes, processed foods, beer and soft cola drinks. Many popular foods contain more phosphorus than calcium. Phosphates are in fertilizers, and phosphorus is widely used in food additives and processed foods.
Much phosphorus can be avoided by cutting down (or cutting out) meats and soft drinks, and having fresh whole foods whenever possible. If using processed foods, read nutrition information labels to check the phosphorus content in relation to calcium. Generally, you need to increase your calcium.
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