Phosphorus and calcium levels in the blood are connected, and a balance is necessary for healthy bones. Kidney problems can disrupt this balance, causing calcification and hardening of tissues. Patients with kidney problems should limit phosphorus intake and balance it with calcium. Low levels of phosphorus can cause muscle weakness and increased susceptibility to infection, while low levels of calcium can cause spasms in nerves and muscles.
The amount of phosphorus in the blood affects the level of calcium in the blood. Phosphorus levels decrease when calcium levels in the blood increase. The connection between phosphorus and calcium can be disrupted when infections or diseases occur. As a result, experts prefer to measure blood levels of calcium and phosphorus together.
Phosphorus and calcium are the most abundant minerals in the body and work together to build strong teeth and bones. Waste in the kidneys is filtered with phosphorus, which also regulates how the body will use and store energy. Having too much phosphorus in the body can become a problem because as phosphate levels rise, the body needs more calcium. A balance of phosphorus and calcium is necessary for healthy bone density, as well as for the prevention of osteoporosis.
In healthy kidneys, phosphorus and calcium have a balanced relationship. When the kidneys are not working properly, the lack of balance can cause calcification, which is difficult to detect. Excessive amounts of calcium and phosphorous bind to create hard calcium deposits. These calcium deposits can build up in vital organs and cause tissues to harden.
To reduce the risk of serious health problems, patients with kidney problems must be careful not to consume too much calcium. Nutritionists recommend that patients with chronic kidney disease limit the amount of phosphorus that enters their body. Dialysis sessions help remove phosphorus from the kidneys.
For every gram of phosphorus included in a diet, the body has to match that amount with another gram of calcium. This has to happen in order for the phosphorus to be absorbed through the intestines and into the bloodstream. If the necessary amount of calcium is not found in the diet, the body will take calcium from stores in the bone. Phosphorus and calcium must be balanced in the diet to prevent this from happening.
Poor phosphorus intake results in an abnormally low serum phosphate level. This condition is known as hypophosphatemia. The effects of inadequate phosphorus levels include muscle weakness, anemia, rickets, and increased susceptibility to infection.
Low calcium levels can indicate an electrolyte imbalance called hypocalcemia. It causes nerves and muscles to contract and go into spasms. Patients with this status report cramping in their legs or arms.
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