NKF GUIDE TO PHOSPHORUS

PHOSPHORUS AND YOUR CKD DIET
What is phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones. Along with calcium, phosphorus is needed for building healthy strong bones, as well as keeping other parts of your body healthy.
Why is phosphorus important to you?
Normal working kidneys can remove extra phosphorus in your blood. When you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) your kidneys cannot remove phosphorus very well. High phosphorus levels can cause damage to your body. Extra phosphorus causes body changes that pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak. High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Phosphorus and calcium control is very important for your overall health.
What is a safe blood level of phosphorus?
A normal phosphorus level is 3.5 to 5.5 mg/dL. Ask your doctor or dietitian what your last phosphorus level was and write it here ________________________ .
Will dialysis help with phosphorus control?
Yes. Dialysis can remove some phosphorus from your blood. It is important for you to understand how to limit build up of phosphorus between your dialysis treatments.
How can I control my phosphorus level?
You can keep you phosphorus level normal by understanding your diet and medications for phosphorus control. Your dietitian and doctor will help you with this. Below is a list of foods high in phosphorus.
HIGH PHOSPHORUS FOOD TO LIMIT OR AVOID
Beverages
ale
beer

chocolate drinks
cocoa

drinks made with milkcanned iced teas
dark colas



Dairy Products
cheese
cottage cheese

custard
ice cream

milk
pudding

cream soups
yogurt



Protein
carp
crayfish

beef liver
chicken liver

fish roe
organ meats

oysters
sardines



Vegetables
dried beans and peas:


baked beans
black beans

chick peas
garbanzo beans

kidney beans
lentils

limas
northern beans

pork ’ n beans
split peas

soy beans




Other foods
bran cereals
brewer’s yeast

caramels
nuts

seeds
wheat germ

whole grain products

What are medications for phosphorus control?
Your doctor may order a medicine called a phosphate binder for you to take with meals and snacks. This medicine will help control the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs from the foods you eat. There are many different kinds of phosphate binders. Pills, chewable tablets, and powders are available. Some types also contain calcium, while others do not. You should only take the phosphate binder that is ordered by your doctor or dietitian.
Write your phosphate binder here: ________________________ .
Directions: ________________________ .
What do I do if my phosphorus level is too high?
When your phosphorus level is too high, think about your diet and substitute lower phosphorus foods for a while. Talk to your dietitian and doctor about making changes in your diet and ask about your phosphate binder prescription.
HIGH PHOSPHORUS FOODSINSTEAD OF
LOW PHOSPHORUS FOODSTRY
Phosphorus (mg)

Phosphorus (mg)
8 ounce milk
230

8 ounce nondairy creamer or 4 ounce milk
100115
8 ounce cream soup made with milk
275

8 ounce cream soup made with water
90
1 ounce hard cheese
145

1 ounce cream cheese
30
½ cup ice cream
80

½ cup sherbet or 1 popsicle
0
12-ounce can cola
55

12 ounce can of Ginger Ale or lemon soda
3
½ cup lima or pinto beans
100

½ cup mixed vegetables or green beans
35
½ cup custard or pudding made with milk
150

½ cup pudding or custard made with nondairy creamer
50
2 ounce peanuts
200

1 ½ cup light salt/low fat popcorn
35
1 ½ ounce chocolate bar
125

1 ½ ounce hard candy, fruit flavors or jelly beans
3
2/3 cup oatmeal
130

2/3 cup cream of wheat or grits
40
½ cup bran cereal
140-260

½ cup nonbran cereal, shredded wheat, rice cereals, or corn flakes
50-100
More than 20 million Americans—one in nine adults—have chronic kidney disease and most don’t even know it. More than 20 million others are at increased risk. The National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. Through its 50 affiliates nationwide, the foundation conducts programs in research, professional education, patient and community services, public education and organ donation. The work of the National Kidney Foundation is funded by public donations.
The National Kidney Foundation would like to thank the Council on Renal Nutrition for the development of this fact sheet.
Date Reviewed: January 2009
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©2009 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. No one associated with the National Kidney Foundation will answer medical questions via e-mail. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.