May 2007: Volume 2 Number 5
Phosphorus [P] – Phosphate is primarily found in our bones with small amounts inside and outside the cells. In the blood, it is found in phospholipids and phosphate esters. Phosphate and calcium balance is regulated by the parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin.
Phosphorus is found in adenine derivatives of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (Cyclic AMP). These are important molecules that participate in major oxidative reactions as sources of high energy required in important metabolic reactions in the muscles, gastric secretions and central nervous system (CNS). It is the high-energy phosphate bonds that allow energy to be taken from food and sugar to be available for use in the body or to maintain body energy and temperature. Phosphorus is found in bones, teeth, nerves, muscles, and in the nucleus of every cell in the body.
We will discuss the Potassium (K) atom in our next lecture as a continuation of the specific uses of minerals or element in our bodies.
© Copyright 2007 The Specific Uses of Minerals or Elements in the Body – Phosphorus
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