What foods are high in phosphorus?

High Phosphorus Foods

Foods high in phosphorus include dairy products, meats, processed foods with phosphate additives, nuts, seeds, and legumes. According to the KDOQI clinical practice guidelines, these foods contain significant amounts of phosphorus that may impact health, particularly for those with kidney disease 1.

Animal-Based High Phosphorus Foods

Meats and Seafood

• Beef sirloin: 203 mg per 3 oz
• Veal loin: 189 mg per 3 oz
• Lamb chop: 190 mg per 3 oz
• Ham: 239 mg per 3 oz
• Salmon: 282 mg per 3 oz
• Halibut: 214 mg per 3 oz
• Crab (blue): 175 mg per 3 oz
• Lobster: 157 mg per 3 oz
• Shrimp: 116 mg per 3 oz

Dairy Products (Highest Phosphorus-to-Protein Ratio)

• Milk (whole, 1%, 2%, nonfat): 227-247 mg per cup
• Cheese (cheddar): 145 mg per oz
• Cheese (swiss): 171 mg per oz
• Cottage cheese (2%): 340 mg per cup
• Yogurt (lowfat): 162 mg per 4 oz
• Ice cream: 138 mg per cup

Plant-Based High Phosphorus Foods

Legumes and Beans

• Soybeans (roasted): 624 mg per cup
• Soybeans (boiled): 421 mg per cup
• Beans (navy): 286 mg per cup
• Beans (kidney): 251 mg per cup
• Beans (black): 241 mg per cup
• Chickpeas: 216 mg per cup

Nuts and Seeds

• Sunflower seeds: 322-327 mg per oz
• Pistachios: 137 mg per oz
• Almonds: 139 mg per oz
• Peanuts (roasted): 147 mg per oz

Processed Foods with Hidden Phosphorus

Processed foods often contain phosphate additives that significantly increase phosphorus content 2:

• Fast food items (hamburgers, cheeseburgers): 207-310 mg per item
• Processed meats: Enhanced meat products can contain up to 100% more phosphorus than non-enhanced products 3
• Frozen meals and prepared foods
• Cola and pepper-type sodas: 44 mg per 12 oz
• Processed cheese products

Important Considerations About Phosphorus Content

Bioavailability Differences

The bioavailability of phosphorus varies significantly between food sources 1:

• Animal-based phosphorus: ~70% bioavailable
• Plant-based phosphorus: ~50% bioavailable (due to phytic acid)

Phosphorus-to-Protein Ratio

When considering phosphorus intake, the phosphorus-to-protein ratio is important 1:

• Egg white: 1.4 mg phosphorus per g protein (lowest ratio)
• Meat: 9 mg phosphorus per g protein
• Tofu: 12 mg phosphorus per g protein
• Legumes: 17 mg phosphorus per g protein
• Milk: 29 mg phosphorus per g protein
• Seeds: 50 mg phosphorus per g protein (highest ratio)

Hidden Phosphorus in Food Processing

• Processed foods with phosphate additives can contain 60% more phosphorus than similar non-processed foods 4
• Many enhanced meat and poultry products don't list phosphate additives on their labels 3
• The phosphorus-to-protein ratio in foods with additives can be 28% higher than in additive-free products 3

Clinical Implications

For individuals with normal kidney function, consuming foods high in phosphorus generally doesn't pose health concerns. However, for those with chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, monitoring phosphorus intake is crucial as excessive phosphorus can contribute to bone disease and cardiovascular complications 5.

When advising patients about phosphorus intake, consider recommending:

1. Fresh, unprocessed meats instead of processed meats
2. Fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits instead of processed foods
3. Reading food labels for phosphate additives (ingredients containing "phos")
4. Being aware that phosphorus content in food databases may underestimate actual phosphorus in processed foods 6