The Medical Advisor

Phosphate is a charged particle (ion) that contains the mineral phosphorus, which is present in our food. In your body, most phosphorus combines with oxygen to form phosphate, about 85% of which is found in your bones. Phosphate plays a number of important roles, from building bones and teeth to acting as a building block for compounds used for cellular energy, cell membranes and DNA. 1 However, if you eat a typical Western diet high in processed foods, meat and grains, it is very easy to overdo your phosphorus intake. This can be detrimental for your health, particularly in combination with low levels of calcium. High Phosphate Intake May Affect Mitochondrial Function, Promoting Oxidative Stress Research has shown that high intakes of bioavailable phosphate can lead to oxidative stress and vascular calcification by affecting mitochondrial function. 2  Interestingly, maintaining adequate magnesium levels may help protect against these harmful effects. In your body, phosphate can ac...