Adults: 2.5-4.5 mg/dl
Children: 4-7 mg/dl
In the International System of Units (SI), phosphorus in the blood is measured in mmol/l. The normal blood phosphorus levels in the SI are:
Adults: 0.81-1.45 mmol/L
Children: 1.29-2.26 mmol/L
Each laboratory must establish its own normal ranges for phosphorus in the blood. These ranges depend on the makeup of the local population, the technologies used and the accuracy of the measurement. There may be also slight differences in the normal levels according to age, gender, race or ethnic origin, geographic region, diet, type of sample and other relevant status.
Your doctor will study the results along with your medical record, screenings, physical condition, symptoms and any other relevant information about your situation.
In addition, when studying phosphorus levels in the blood it is important to keep in mind that:
Phosphorus and calcium are essential for bone development. As much as 85% of all phosphorus in the body is found in the bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also present in the blood and it is necessary to help nerve function and to make muscles contract.
Phosphorus in the blood can be found bound to proteins (10%), linked to other ions like sodium, calcium or magnesium (35%) or in a free form (about 55%).
The terms phosphorus in the blood or phosphate in the blood are often interchangeable. Phosphorus is a mineral that combines with other substances to form organic or inorganic compounds called phosphates. In a routine blood test only inorganic phosphates are measured.
Phosphorus level in the blood depends on:
The phosphorus blood test is used to evaluate:
Phosphorus values must be studied along with calcium levels in the blood. It is also interesting in some cases to test the phosphorus present in the urine.
Phosphorus is acquired by daily intake and assimilated trough intestinal absorption. Phosphorus is filtered by the kidneys of which 80-90% is reabsorbed and the remainder is excreted in the urine. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates the reabsorption of phosphate in the kidneys.
Phosphorus or phosphate high levels may be a sign of kidney disease due to the kidneys are unable to filtrate and excrete the phosphorus excess.
Phosphorus or phosphate low levels in the blood can be found in case of:
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The following values are considered to be normal values:
IMPORTANT: These levels are expressed in mg/dl. They are an example of a healthy man of about 45 years of age with no known disease, not taking any medication and with an appropriate intake of phosphorus in the diet. The ranges can be different depending on the laboratory or on your personal circumstances.
Phosphorus | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normality | |||||||
| 2.5 mg/dL | 2.6 mg/dL | 2.7 mg/dL | 2.8 mg/dL | 2.9 mg/dL | 3 mg/dL | 3.1 mg/dL | 3.2 mg/dL |
| 3.3 mg/dL | 3.4 mg/dL | 3.5 mg/dL | 3.6 mg/dL | 3.7 mg/dL | 3.8 mg/dL | 3.9 mg/dL | 4 mg/dL |
| 4.1 mg/dL | 4.2 mg/dL | 4.3 mg/dL | 4.4 mg/dL | 4.5 mg/dL | |||
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