PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus and calcium work together in close balance to keep bones healthy. But when damaged kidneys cannot remove excess phosphorus from the bloodstream, calcium leaches out of bones to bind with the excess phosphorus. This, in turn, can leave bones weakened. Calcium pulled into the bloodstream from bones can also lead to dangerous deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes and heart. Avoiding foods that are high in phosphorus, such as dairy, can help to prevent this mineral from accumulating in the blood. In some cases, CKD patients take a phosphate binder with their meals to limit how much phosphorus the body absorbs.

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