Blood Phosphate Level Test - Information and Reasons To Conduct Phosphorus Blood Level Tests

Phosphorus blood levels are tested to determine the amount of the mineral phosphorus in our body. In its free form, phosphorus is present as an ion also known as inorganic phosphate. Phosphorus is an important element which is useful for the synthesis of bones and teeth. Apart from that phosphorous is also useful in maintaining normal functioning of the nerves and the contraction of the muscles. A huge chunk of the phosphorus present in our body is in the form of bones. If there is any extra phosphate in the blood, it is usually excreted by the kidney. However, if the kidneys are not functioning properly, phosphorus may be excreted in excessive quantities. If in the urine, there is a large amount of phosphorus, kidney failure is usually the cause.

The calcium and phosphate levels are inversely proportional to each other. If there is a rise in the calcium levels of the body, the phosphate levels decrease dramatically. However, there are some infections which may cause this inverse balance to be disrupted and therefore both phosphate and calcium tests are usually prescribed together.

Phosphorus Levels in Blood

Phosphorus is an important mineral that is found abundantly in the body. Along with calcium, phosphorus is responsible for building strong teeth and bones. Phosphorus also helps the body repair muscles, flush out waste from the kidneys, and store energy. The growth and regeneration of cells, tissues and muscles require a certain level of phosphorus in the blood at all times. Phosphorus also balances out the effect of other minerals such as zinc and magnesium and vitamins such as vitamin D.

The best way to increase your intake of phosphorus in your diet is through phosphorus rich foods such as whole grains, milk, and foods high in proteins. Phosphorus supplements are available but they should be taken only under strict supervision as they can react adversely with other medications. It is also important for the levels to stay around the 2.4 - 4.1 milligrams per deciliter mark which is the normal phosphorus levels in the body. This value may vary slightly and your doctor will be able to inform you about what is normal in your particular case.

Diseases such as anorexia, diabetes, and even alcoholism cause low phosphorus levels in the blood. People suffering from Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease may also report low phosphorus levels leading to brittle and fragile bones, constant fatigue, and loss of appetite, weight fluctuations, anxiety, and stiff joints. Elevated phosphorus levels in the blood on the other hand are a more common problem. High phosphorus levels are caused by kidney disease or due to the excessive consumption of dietary phosphorus. The body requires a fine balance of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. When there are higher levels of phosphorus, health issues such as osteoporosis and gum and teeth problems begin to develop. Symptoms of high phosphorus levels in blood indicate several medical conditions such as kidney disorders, malnutrition and other gastrointestinal disorders, and calcium and bone problems.

Simple blood tests can be done to check the levels of phosphorus in the body. It is important to ensure that medications such as diuretics, antacids, and laxatives are not taken before the test as they may affect the results. Test results that show a higher than normal level of phosphorus in the blood (hyperphosphatemia) may indicate diseases such as liver disease, renal failure, excess of vitamin D, hypocalcemia, and hypoparathyroidism. Low phosphorus levels in the blood (hypophosphatemia) may indicate health issues such as malnutrition, low intake of vitamin D, hypercalcemia, and hyperparathyroidism.

Reasons For Phosphorus Blood Level Tests

A phosphate test is usually prescribed to check for proper functioning of the kidneys, bones and parathyroid glands. To regulate the parathyroid hormone, phosphate is needed.

The levels of phosphates are usually higher in children because their bone growth is still actively occurring. For adults, the normal values are 3.0 to 4.5 milligrams per deciliter and in children the normal levels are 4.5 to 6.5 milligrams per deciliter. The normal levels range in babies is quite similar to those of children.

Serum phosphate levels, if high, are caused due to kidney diseases or a parathyroid gland which is not functioning properly and is producing low amounts of the parathyroid hormone. Fractures that are healing, diabetic ketoacidosis when left untreated, rhabdomyolysis and acromegaly are also causes for high blood phosphates level. In the presence of excess of vitamin D, phosphate levels of the blood may increase significantly. Decreased magnesium levels and pregnancy are other causes for this increase.

Results For Phosphorus Blood Level Tests

If the results show that the phosphate levels are lower than normal, it could occur because of hyperparathyroidism, burns of the second or third degree, bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteomalacia, diseases of the kidneys and liver, deficiency of vitamin D, malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders that inhibit the absorption of phosphates, alcohol abuse, and a high level of calcium.

Though the test results are usually accurate, alcohol if consumed even 24 hours prior to the test, can have an affect on the test results. Diseases like lymphoma and diabetes insipidus also affect the test results.