Active Ingredient Phosphates, Phosphorus

an element that has the atomic symbol p, atomic number 15, and atomic weight 31. it is an essential element in the diet, a major component of the mineral phase of bone, and is abundant in all tissues, being involved in some form in almost all metabolic processes. (from dorland, 27th ed)

Source:

medlineplus herbs and supplements: phosphates, phosphorus

Medical Condition	Uses based on scientific evidence	Grade*
burns	patients with serious burns may lose phosphate and replacement may be necessary.	c
calculus of kidney	kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are an u.s. food and drug administration (fda)-labeled use of phosphates in adults. taking potassium and sodium phosphate salts orally may help prevent kidney stones in patients with hypercalciuria (high urine calcium levels) and in patients with kidney stones made of calcium oxalate. however, phosphate administration when stones are composed of magnesium-ammonium-phosphate or calcium phosphate may increase the rate of stone formation.	a
constipation	occasional constipation is an u.s. food and drug administration (fda)-approved use of phosphates in adults and children, both in oral form and as an enema (for example, fleet enema). phosphates are also used to restore bowel activity after surgery.	a
diabetes with ketoacidosis	the use of prophylactic phosphate therapy in diabetic ketoacidosis is controversial and may be considered, particularly in cases of low phosphate levels.	c
disorders of phosphorus metabolism	hypophosphatemia is an u.s. food and drug administration (fda)-labeled use of phosphates in adults. taking sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate is effective for preventing and treating most causes of hypophosphatemia, and should be directed under medical supervision. the underlying cause of the hypophosphatemia should be identified and corrected whenever possible.	a
disorders of phosphorus metabolism	this use of phosphates has not been clearly demonstrated as being beneficial in scientific studies.	c
hypercalcemia	phosphate salts (except for calcium phosphate) are effective in the treatment of hypercalcemia. however, intravenous phosphate for treating hypercalcemia may not be recommended, due to concerns about lowering blood pressure, excessively lowering calcium levels, heart attack, tetany, or kidney failure. sudden hypotension (low blood pressure), kidney failure, and death have been reported after phosphate infusion.	a
hyperparathyroidism	this use of phosphates has not been clearly demonstrated as being beneficial in scientific studies.	c
other disorders of bone and cartilage	early research shows that high amounts of phosphorus may have negative effects on bone density. this is because phosphorus decreases bone formation and increases bone resorption.	c
other nonspecific findings on examination of urine	long term, slow release neutral potassium phosphate has been shown to reduce calcium excretion in subjects with absorptive hypercalciuria and appears to be well tolerated. this use of phosphates may be considered to prevent kidney stone formation.	c
other specified disorders of liver	critically ill patients receiving intravenous feedings often have low phosphate levels. phosphate levels should be closely monitored in such patients, particularly if kidney function is impaired. inorganic phosphates avoid incompatibility with calcium in tpn solutions. addition of phosphate to tpn solutions should be under the supervision of a licensed nutritionist.	c

*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.