Thinking About Phosphorus

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

Phosphorus is an essential part of the diet, both because of its important role in the structure of bones and teeth and because of its involvement in turning the food we eat into energy. Since dairy products supply about 20% of phosphorus and meat, poultry and fish supply about 25% of phosphorus in the typical U.S. diet¹, one might wonder if vegans get enough phosphorus. Grains, legumes, vegetables, and nuts are good sources of phosphorus. In the United States, grains are the largest source of dietary phosphorus, supplying almost 30% of dietary phosphorus in omnivores.¹

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for phosphorus is:

Birth to 6 months: 100 milligrams/day (this is the Adequate Intake rather than the RDA)

7-12 months: 275 milligrams/day (this is the Adequate Intake rather than the RDA)

1-3 years: 460 milligrams/day

4-8 years: 500 milligrams per day

9-18 years: 1250 milligrams/day

19 years and older: 700 milligrams/day

Pregnancy: 700 milligrams/day (1250 milligrams/day for those under 19 years)

Lactation: 700 milligrams/day (1250 milligrams/day for those under 19 years)

Many plant foods supply us with phosphorus.

12 Good Sources of Phosphorus for Vegans

1. Oat milk, commercial, 269 milligrams of phosphorus in 1 cup
2. Soymilk, commercial, 250 milligrams of phosphorus in 1 cup
3. Baked potato, medium size, 200 milligrams of phosphorus in a potato
4. Roasted almonds, 162 milligrams of phosphorus in ¼ cup
5. Peanuts, shelled, 143 milligrams of phosphorus in ¼ cup
6. Black beans, 140 milligrams of phosphorus in ½ cup, cooked
7. Quinoa, 140 milligrams of phosphorus in ½ cup, cooked
8. Chickpeas, 138 milligrams of phosphorus in ½ cup, cooked
9. Tofu, 120 milligrams of phosphorus in ½ cup
10. Lentils, 111 milligrams of phosphorus in ½ cup, cooked
11. Brown rice, 104 milligrams of phosphorus in ½ cup, cooked
12. Peanut butter, 102 milligrams of phosphorus in 2 Tablespoons

Fun Facts About Phosphorus

1. Although a lower percentage of dietary phosphorus is absorbed from vegan diets, compared to nonvegetarian diets, vegan diets typically provide enough phosphorus.
2. Processed foods often have additives, such as phosphoric acid and sodium phosphate, that contain phosphorus. These additives may supply 10-15% of the phosphorus in the typical American’s diet.
3. People with severe chronic kidney disease may be advised by their health care provider to eat less phosphorus.
4. Some antacids can reduce the amount of phosphorus that your body absorbs. Long-term regular use (more than 3 months) can lead to low levels of phosphorus. Antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate, such as Maalox and Tums, can reduce phosphorus absorption.
5. Phosphorus deficiency is very rare in the United States. Signs of a phosphorus deficiency include muscle weakness, coordination problems, bone pain, and soft and deformed bones. A phosphorus deficiency is diagnosed by checking blood levels of phosphorus.

Reference

¹ McClure ST, Chang AR, Selvin E, Rebholz CM, Appel LJ. Dietary sources of phosphorus among adults in the United States: Results from NHANES 2001-2014. Nutrients. 2017;9(2):95.

To read more about phosphorus see

Phosphorus Fact Sheet for Consumers (from National Institutes of Health; contains vegan and nonvegan sources of phosphorus)

Non-Dairy Milks – Nutrients of importance in Chronic Kidney Dysfunction

The contents of this website and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal and Vegan Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.