PKD Life - Fall 2020 - 6

EATING WELL

Everything You
Need to Know
About Phosphorus
Why managing intake of this mineral is
crucial for people with kidney issues.
By Jessica Brown

intake. While it plays many important roles in keeping you healthy-including building teeth and bones,
growing and repairing your body's cells and tissues,
and converting the foods you eat into energy-this
mineral doesn't get much attention because it's easy
to get all the phosphorus you need and more without
even trying. But for people who have PKD, consuming
too much of it can be a major concern.
"Normally, if you take in extra phosphorus, your
body utilizes what it needs and excretes the rest," says
Elisha Pavlick, R.D., C.S.P., L.D.N., a clinical dietitian in
the Division of Nephrology, the Pediatric Kidney Stone
Center, and the Kidney Transplant and Dialysis Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "But when
you have a renal condition like PKD, your kidneys
aren't able to filter it out efficiently."

Foods High in Phosphorus

you were diagnosed with PKD, you probably
B efore
didn't give much thought to your phosphorus

Proteins: Meat, poultry, fish, processed
meats (bacon, sausage, deli meat, hot dogs,
etc.), nuts and nut butters, seeds, dried beans
and peas
Dairy products: Processed cheese,
yogurt, cream soups, milk and ice cream
Processed foods: Fast food, candy,
packaged baked goods and chips
Sweets: Chocolate and caramel
Beverages: Dark-colored soda, beer, cocoa,
fruit punch, some bottled and canned iced tea

HOW EXCESS PHOSPHORUS
CAN HARM YOU

According to a study published in Advances in Chronic
Kidney Disease, high phosphorus levels (or hyperphosphatemia) "are a major risk factor for death, cardiovascular
events and vascular calcification among patients with
and without kidney disease. Even serum phosphate levels within the 'normal laboratory range' associate with a
greater risk of death and cardiovascular events."
In the short term, consuming too much phosphorus isn't
dangerous, and you won't notice any symptoms that you
might be overdoing it. But over time, the extra phosphorus in your bloodstream can cause serious damage.
"Elevated levels of phosphorus pull calcium from
your bones, which makes them weak and brittle,"

6

Pavlick explains. "In addition, excess phosphorus
is deposited in your blood
vessels, hardening them
and potentially causing
heart problems."
In the early stages of PKD,
you may not need to keep a
close eye on your phosphorus
intake (though your nephrologist will be monitoring the
levels in your blood). But as

kidney function declines
in stages 4 and 5, avoiding
hyperphosphatemia becomes
a priority.

CHALLENGES IN
KEEPING YOUR
LEVELS LOW

Unfortunately, avoiding
high-phosphorus foods isn't
easy. The mineral is naturally
present in a wide variety of

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PKD Life - Fall 2020

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