Phosphorous is an essential mineral that your body uses to build healthy bones, create energy and make new cells. While it is beneficial for most people, it can be harmful if you consume too much.
The recommended daily intake (RDI) for adults is 700 mg, but growing teens and pregnant people need more. The daily value (DV) was estimated to be 1,000 mg but was recently updated to 1,250 mg to cover the needs of these groups (
Phosphorus deficiency is rare in developed countries, as most adults eat more than the recommended amounts every day (
Phosphorus is found in most foods, but some foods are especially good sources. However, people with kidney disease can have trouble removing it from their blood and may need to limit their phosphorus intake (
This article lists 12 foods that are particularly high in phosphorus.
One cup (140 grams) of roasted chicken or turkey contains around 300 mg of phosphorus, which is more than 40% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). It is also rich in protein, B vitamins and selenium (6, 7).
Light poultry meat contains slightly more phosphorus than dark meat, but both are good sources.
Cooking methods can also affect phosphorus content of the meat. Roasting preserves the most phosphorus, while boiling reduces levels by about 25% (
Summary Chicken and turkey are
both excellent sources of phosphorus, especially the light meat. One cup (140
grams) provides more than 40% of the RDI. Roasting preserves more of the phosphorus
than boiling.
A typical 3-ounce (85-gram) portion of cooked pork contains 25–32% of the RDI for phosphorus, depending on the cut.
Pork chops contain the least amount of phosphorus, while pork tenderloin contains the most. Even bacon is a good source, containing 6% of the RDI per slice (9, 10, 11).
Like with poultry, cooking method can affect the phosphorus content of pork.
Dry heat cooking preserves 90% of the phosphorus, while boiling can reduce phosphorus levels by roughly 25% (
Summary Pork is a good source
of phosphorus, containing around 200 mg per three ounces (85 grams). Dry heat
cooking is the best way to preserve the phosphorus content.
Organ meats, such as brain and liver, are excellent sources of highly absorbable phosphorus.
One 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of pan-fried cow’s brain contains almost 50% of the RDI for adults (12).
Chicken liver, which is often used to make the French delicacy pâté, contains 53% of the RDI per three ounces (85 grams) (13).
Organ meats are also rich in other essential nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron and trace minerals. They can make a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet.
Summary Organ meats are
incredibly nutrient-dense, and contain large amounts of phosphorus and other
vitamins and minerals. Brain and liver both contain roughly 50% of the RDI per
3-ounce (85-gram) serving.
Many types of seafood are good sources of phosphorus.
Cuttlefish, a mollusk related to squid and octopus, is the richest source, supplying 70% of the RDI in one 3-ounce (85-gram) cooked serving (14).
Other fish that are good sources of phosphorus include (per three ounces or 85 grams) (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24):
| Fish | Phosphorus | % RDI |
| Carp | 451 mg | 64% |
| Sardines | 411 mg | 59% |
| Pollock | 410 mg | 59% |
| Clams | 287 mg | 41% |
| Scallops | 284 mg | 41% |
| Salmon | 274 mg | 39% |
| Catfish | 258 mg | 37% |
| Mackerel | 236 mg | 34% |
| Crab | 238 mg | 34% |
| Crayfish | 230 mg | 33% |
Some of these foods, like salmon, sardines and mackerel, are also good sources of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that may protect against cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses (16, 20, 22,
Summary Many different types
of seafood are rich in phosphorus. Cuttlefish provides the most, with 493 mg of
phosphorus per serving.
It is estimated that 20–30% of phosphorus in the average American diet comes from dairy products like cheese, milk, cottage cheese and yogurt (
Just one ounce (28 grams) of Romano cheese contains 213 mg of phosphorus (30% of the RDI), and one cup (245 grams) of skim milk contains 35% of the RDI (27, 28).
Low-fat and non-fat dairy products, like yogurt and cottage cheese, contain the most phosphorus, while whole-fat dairy products contain the least (29, 30, 31).
Summary Low-fat dairy products
like milk, cottage cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of phosphorus,
providing at least 30% of the RDI per serving.
Sunflower and pumpkin seeds also contain large amounts of phosphorus.
One ounce (28 grams) of roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds contains roughly 45% of the RDI for phosphorus (32, 33).
However, up to 80% of the phosphorus found in seeds is in a stored form called phytic acid, or phytate, which humans cannot digest (34).
Soaking seeds until they sprout can help break down phytic acid, releasing some of the phosphorus for absorption (35).
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds can be enjoyed as a snack, sprinkled on salads, blended into nut butters or used in pesto, and are a great alternative for people who are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts.
Summary Sunflower and pumpkin seeds
contain large amounts of the storage form of phosphorus called phytic acid,
which humans can’t digest. Sprouting the seeds can help make the phosphorus
available for absorption.
Most nuts are good sources of phosphorus, but Brazil nuts top the list. Just a 1/2-cup (67 grams) of Brazil nuts provides more than 2/3 of the RDI for adults (36).
Other nuts containing at least 40% of the RDI per 1/2-cup (60–70 grams) include cashews, almonds, pine nuts and pistachios (37, 38, 39, 40).
They are also great sources of plant-based protein, antioxidants and minerals. Eating them regularly is linked with better heart health (
Like seeds, most of the phosphorus in nuts is stored as phytic acid, which is not digestible by humans. Soaking may help, though not all studies agree (
Summary Many nuts, and
especially Brazil nuts, are good sources of phosphorus, containing at least 40%
of the RDI per 1/2-cup (67-gram) serving.
Many whole grains contain phosphorus, including wheat, oats and rice.
Whole wheat contains the most phosphorus (291 mg or 194 grams per cooked cup), followed by oats (180 mg or 234 grams per cooked cup) and rice (162 mg or 194 grams per cooked cup) (43, 44, 45).
Most of the phosphorus in whole grains is found in the outer layer of the endosperm, known as the aleurone, and the inner layer, called the germ (
These layers are removed when grains are refined, which is why whole grains are good sources of phosphorus and why refined grains are not (47, 48).
However, like seeds, most of the phosphorus in whole grains is stored as phytic acid, which is hard for the body to digest and absorb.
Soaking, sprouting or fermenting the grains can break down some of the phytic acid and make more of the phosphorus available for absorption (
Summary Whole grains like wheat,
oats and rice contain a lot of phosphorus. Soaking, sprouting or fermenting the
grains may make it more available for absorption.
While amaranth and quinoa are often referred to as “grains,” they are actually small seeds and are considered pseudocereals.
One cup (246 grams) of cooked amaranth contains 52% of the recommended daily intake of phosphorus for adults and the same volume of cooked quinoa contains 40% of the RDI (52, 53).
Both of these foods are also good sources of fiber, minerals and protein, and are naturally gluten-free (
Like other seeds, soaking, sprouting and fermenting can increase phosphorus availability (
Summary Ancient grains like
amaranth and quinoa are highly nutritious and are good sources of phosphorus.
One cooked cup (246 grams) contains at least 40% of the recommended daily
intake.
Beans and lentils also contain large amounts of phosphorus, and eating them regularly is associated with lower risk of many chronic diseases, including cancer (
Just one cup (198 grams) of boiled lentils contains 51% of the recommended daily intake and over 15 grams of fiber (59).
Beans are also rich in phosphorus, especially Great Northern, chickpeas, navy and pinto beans, which all contain at least 250 mg per cup (164 to 182 grams) (60, 61, 62, 63).
Like the other plant sources of phosphorus, availability of the mineral can be increased by soaking, sprouting and fermenting the beans (
Summary Beans and lentils,
especially when soaked, sprouted or fermented, are rich sources of phosphorus,
containing at least 250 mg per cup (roughly 160–200
grams).
Soy can be enjoyed in many forms, some higher in phosphorus than others.
Mature soybeans contain the most phosphorus, while edamame, the immature form of soy, contains 60% less (66, 67).
Mature soybeans can be seasoned, roasted and enjoyed as a delicious crunchy snack that provides over 100% of the RDI per 2/3 cup (172 grams) (68).
Fermented soy products, like tempeh and natto, are also good sources, providing 212 mg and 146 mg per 3-ounce (85-grams) serving, respectively (69, 70).
Most other prepared soy products, like tofu and soy milk, are not as good sources of phosphorus, containing less than 20% of the RDI per serving (71, 72).
Summary Whole soybeans and
fermented soy products are good sources of phosphorus, providing up to 100% of
the recommended daily intake per serving.
While phosphorus is naturally present in many foods, some processed foods also contain large amounts from additives.
Phosphate additives are nearly 100% absorbable, and can contribute anywhere from 300 to 1,000 mg of additional phosphorus per day (
Excessive intake of phosphorus has been linked to bone loss and increased risk of death, so it is important not to consume much more than the recommended intakes (
Processed foods and beverages that often contain added phosphates include:
- Processed meats: Beef, lamb, pork and chicken products are often marinated or
injected with phosphate additives to keep the meat tender and juicy (76,77 ,78 ). - Cola beverages: Cola drinks often contain phosphoric acid, a synthetic source of
phosphorus (79 ). - Baked goods: Biscuits, pancake mixes, toaster pastries and other baked goods
can contain phosphate additives as leavening agents (80 ,81 ). - Fast food: According to one study of 15 major American fast food chains,
over 80% of the menu items contained added phosphates (82 ). - Convenience food: Phosphates are often added to convenience foods like frozen
chicken nuggets to help them cook faster and improve shelf life (80 , 83).
To tell if prepared and processed foods or beverages contain phosphorus, look for ingredients with the word “phosphate” in them.
Summary Processed foods and
beverages often contain phosphate additives to enhance quality and increase
shelf life. They can contribute large amounts of phosphorus to your diet.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient required for bone health and many other bodily functions.
It can be found in many foods, but is especially high in animal proteins, dairy products, nuts and seeds, whole grains and legumes.
Many processed foods also contain phosphorus from phosphate additives used to prolong shelf life or enhance the taste or texture.
Artificial phosphates and animal sources of phosphorus are the most absorbable, while plant-based sources can be soaked, sprouted or fermented to increase the amount of absorbable phosphorus.
While phosphorus is good when consumed in moderation, getting too much from artificial additives may be bad for your health. People with kidney disease also need to limit their intake.
Understanding which foods are highest in phosphorus can help you manage your intake as needed.
