PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus is:

Phosphorus is a mineral found in almost all foods and is needed by the body for energy and to make strong bones.
Too much phosphorus in the blood is unhealthy. It can cause bone and heart problems.
Healthy kidneys remove extra phosphorus from the blood. When the kidneys do not work well, the amount of phosphorus in your diet must be controlled.

Helpful Tips for Controlling Phosphorus

Take your phosphate binder EVERY time you eat AS DIRECTED.
If you only eat one large meal per day, try eating two or three times, taking your phosphorus binder each time you eat.
Come to all scheduled dialysis treatments. Reschedule immediately if a treatment is missed.
Check labels for phosphorus additives.
If your phosphorus is above 5.5, ask yourself the following questions to help determine how to get back on track:
- Have I missed any treatments?
- Were my treatments shortened?
- How is the blood flow rate?
- Is my access working well? (check for the thrill)
- Do I have less urine output?
- Am I eating ‘fast foods’?
- Am I eating processed foods?
- Am I checking for phosphorus additives in my foods?
- Am I taking my binders on time and as prescribed?

Your dietitian can help you with more personalized ideas for meal, snack, and beverage ideas based on your individual needs.

Phosphorus Goal: 3.0 to 5.5

Phosphorus in Disguise

Read the food labels to find phosphorus additives in packaged foods. Look for “phos” in any ingredient. Phosphorus from additives is absorbed quickly by the body and should be avoided.

Shown here are a few examples of what to look for on the food label.

Phosphorus Binders

A phosphorus binder is a pill your doctor has prescribed to control the amount of phosphorus in your blood.
Some binders work like magnets and other work like sponges. They soak up or bind to phosphorus in foods during digestion, reducing the amount of phosphorus that enters the blood. If a binder is not taken, phosphorus can accumulate in the blood. Dialysis treatments do not clean phosphorus out of the blood very well, making binders very important.
Binders must be taken each time you eat meals, snacks, or supplements.

Binders must be taken each time you eat meals, snacks, or supplements.

Tums taken with meals acts as a phosphate binder and calcium source.
Tums taken on an empty stomach acts as a calcium source.

Phosphorus and Dialysis

When the kidneys do not work, the amount of phosphorus in the blood can get too high.
Dialysis cannot remove all of the excess phosphorus in the blood.
A healthy blood phosphorus level for dialysis patients is 3.0-5.5 mg/dl.
To keep within this range, it is best to limit the amount of phosphorus eaten and take phosphorus binders as ordered by your doctor.
Controlled blood phosphorus levels can help keep bones strong and keep the heart and arteries healthy.
Missed/shortened treatments and access issues can result in high blood phosphorus levels.

Success with Phosphorus Binders

Just as a sponge soaks up water, your phosphorus binders absorb phosphorus. Phosphorus is better controlled when taken with:

Meals/beverages
Snacks
Protein drinks or supplements

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