Mineral
Phosphorus
Also known as: Phosphate, P
Essential mineral for bone health, energy metabolism (ATP), and cell membrane structure. Second most abundant mineral in the body.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Phosphorus product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NutraBio Clear Whey Protein Isolate Powder | 96 A | $2.15 |
| 2 | NutraBio Whey Protein Isolate Powder | 96 A | $2.50 |
| 3 | Country Life P-5-P Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate 50 mg | 89 A | $0.17 |
| 4 | Vital Nutrients Pyridoxal-5 Phosphate 50mg | 87 A | $0.58 |
| 5 | Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder | 85 A- | $2.65 |
| 6 | Country Life Target-Mins Calcium Magnesium Caps | 84 A- | $0.55 |
| 7 | Country Life Target-Mins Calcium Magnesium Tablets | 84 A- | $0.23 |
| 8 | NutraBio Micellar Casein | 84 A- | $1.67 |
| 9 | Vital Nutrients B-Complex | 83 A- | $0.35 |
| 10 | Thorne Women's Multi 50+ | 82 A- | $1.87 |
| 11 | Country Life Active B-6 50mg | 82 A- | $0.47 |
| 12 | Complement Daily Greens by Complement | 80 A- | $1.63 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Phosphorus should I take?
The typical range is 700-1250 mg daily RDA. Safe long-term at recommended doses
When should I take Phosphorus?
With meals. Best absorbed with food.
Which form of Phosphorus is best?
Phosphate salts — Common in multivitamins. Other forms in the catalog: Calcium phosphate.
Is Phosphorus safe?
Commonly reported: Diarrhea at high doses. Serious warnings: High phosphorus can affect calcium balance. Kidney patients need careful monitoring
Which Phosphorus supplement scores highest?
NutraBio Clear Whey Protein Isolate Powder, at 96/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Daily target & upper limit
1250 mg / day · UL 4000 mgPhosphorus has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Phosphorus dosage reference →Primary uses
- Bone and teeth health
- Energy metabolism (ATP)
- Cell membrane structure
- pH balance
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Phosphorus reached a verdict on: 3 with a benefit, 1 with no effect, 1 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (3)
“Three out of four studies reported a significant positive association between phosphorus supplementation and diet-induced thermogenesis (P < 0.05).” PMID 42064995
“An inverse association was observed between phosphorus intake and weight gain (P < 0.001) and energy intake (P < 0.01), alongside a positive association with satiety (P < 0.05).” PMID 42064995
“decreased serum phosphorus (MD: -2.04 mg/dL [-2.50, -1.58]; I2 = 22%; two RCTs; GRADE: low)” PMID 41978105
Reviews found no effect (1)
“We judged the evidence to be of low quality and found no evidence of differences between groups for clinically important outcomes including growth and fractures.” PMID 28238222
Not enough to say: postprandial glycaemia and lipidemia.
3 findings from reviews in specific patient groups (such as cancer, pregnancy or surgery) are not shown here.
How it works
- Component of hydroxyapatite in bones and teeth
- Forms ATP for cellular energy
- Component of phospholipid cell membranes
- Buffers blood pH
Dosage
- Typical range
- 700-1250 mg daily RDA
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Best absorbed with food
- Duration
- Safe long-term at recommended doses
- Special populations
- Kidney disease patients should limit intake
Forms
- Phosphate salts
- Calcium phosphate
Safety
Common side effects
- Diarrhea at high doses
Contraindications
- Kidney disease (monitor closely)
Products containing Phosphorus
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Phosphorus on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Well-established essential nutrient
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Related in Mineral
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.