Phosphate supplements: Uses, common brands, and safety info

Phosphate supplements are dietary supplements intended for people who do not get enough phosphorus from their daily diet. Phosphate is the salt form of phosphorus, which is the nutrient available in foods. Some people may have nutritional disorders or diseases which don’t allow them to absorb enough phosphorus from their diet. There are other intentional uses for phosphate supplements as well.

Phosphorus is available naturally in certain foods such as poultry, fish, cereals, and dairy products. Phosphorus has recommended daily allowances (RDAs) to guide proper intake. Your allowance is based upon many factors such as age, sex, and physical condition. Some phosphate supplements are available over-the-counter without a prescription, and some require a prescription. Before taking any diet supplement, speak with your doctor to determine if it is necessary and if so, at what dose.

Other phosphate supplements

• Fleet Phospho-soda EZ-Prep

• Phospho-soda

• Visicol

What are phosphate supplements?

Phosphate supplements are a source of additional phosphorus for the body when your dietary sources aren’t enough leading to a phosphorus deficiency. Phosphorus serves to help waste excretion from the body and help repair cells and tissues. Most of the phosphorus in the body can be found in your bones and teeth. Phosphorus crystals are an important part of your bone structure similar to calcium. In fact, phosphorus is the second most plentiful mineral in your body to calcium. Your bone health is dependent upon healthy calcium, vitamin D, and phosphate concentrations as this helps prevent osteoporosis. Phosphate supplements are also a key ingredient in osmotic laxatives used for bowel preparation for colonoscopies.

How do phosphate supplements work?

Phosphate supplements provide the necessary phosphorus for the body. Its primary function is the formation of bones and teeth. The body combines calcium and phosphorus into calcium phosphate salts which form the structure of the bones and teeth. Phosphorus also plays a role in protein formation. This is important for cells and tissues to repair and grow. Phosphate supplements are important to maintain kidney health, cardiovascular health, and nerve signals.

What are phosphate supplements used for?

• Hypophosphatemia

   

  (low

   

  phosphate levels

  )

• Urinary acidification

• Prevention of urinary

   

  calcium

   

  stones

• Laxative

   

  as bowel preparation for colonoscopy

Types of phosphate supplements

Phosphate dietary supplements approved to treat hyperphosphatemia and acidic urine

These preparations of potassium phosphate alone or combinations of potassium phosphate and sodium phosphate are used to supplement dietary phosphorus and treat low serum phosphorus levels, known as hypophosphatemia. These supplements may also be used to treat acidity in the urinary tract.

Examples: K-Phos Original, K-Phos 2, K-Phos Neutral, Phospha 250 Neutral

Osmotic laxatives

These preparations are used to stimulate quick and complete evacuations of the bowels in preparation for colonoscopies or other colon exams. They draw large amounts of water into the bowel to force a quick evacuation of the bowels.

Examples: OsmoPrep, Fleet Phospho-soda EZ-Prep, Visicol

Who can take phosphate supplements?

Can men take phosphate supplements?

Men can safely take phosphate supplements. Your healthcare provider may do labs to review your kidney and liver function. It is also important to check existing levels of phosphorus as well as calcium levels and potassium levels prior to starting therapy.

Can women take phosphate supplements?

Women may also take phosphate supplements. As with men, your medical professional will likely review your labs to ensure your kidneys and liver are functioning well and check other mineral levels prior to starting a phosphate supplement. 

Can you take phosphate supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is no expected harm from phosphate supplements for a pregnant mother or breastfeeding child, however, there have been no formal studies. Discuss phosphate supplementation with your doctor before starting.

Can children take phosphate supplements?

Children can take phosphate supplements when they are indicated. Like adults, pediatricians will review other health information and mineral levels before making a recommendation.

Can seniors take phosphate supplements?

Phosphate supplements should be used cautiously in seniors as they are more likely to have impaired renal or hepatic function. In some instances, doses can be adjusted if necessary. Older adults should seek medical advice before starting the use of phosphate supplements.

Are phosphate supplements safe?

Recalls

There are currently no active recalls concerning phosphate supplements.

Restrictions

Phosphate levels should be monitored on a regular basis after you begin phosphate supplements. This is to ensure you don’t begin to accumulate too much phosphorus or have unwanted side effects.

If you take iron supplements, you must take those at least two hours away from phosphorus supplements. The iron may not be absorbed properly if you take them too close together.

Phosphate supplements may contain large amounts of potassium, an electrolyte, as well. Too much potassium can be dangerous, especially if you have pre-existing heart disease or chronic kidney disease. Exercise and certain other medications may also increase potassium. This is why your prescriber will evaluate your potassium levels as well to make sure you don’t have too little or too much.

Patients with a history of kidney stones may pass old stones when they start phosphate supplements. They should be warned of this possibility.

Potassium phosphate is contraindicated in patients with hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate levels), hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), or significant hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium). Infusions of potassium phosphate have been shown to lower magnesium levels as well. Blood concentrations of these minerals and electrolytes should be monitored closely.

Are phosphate supplements controlled substances?

No, phosphate supplements are not controlled substances.

Common phosphate supplements side effects

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Confusion

• Seizures

• Irregular heartbeat

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Increased thirst

• Muscle cramps

• Muscle weakness

• Bone pain

• Numbness or tingling

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling of legs and feet

• Tremor

• Anxiety

• Tiredness/ weakness

• Weight gain

How much do phosphate supplements cost?

Phosphate supplements are relatively affordable. K-Phos is a brand of phosphate supplements that has three forms: K-Phos Original, K-Phos 2, and K-Phos Neutral. The prices for K-Phos are around $44 without insurance. SingleCare offers a free coupon for K-Phos which can save you on your out-of-pocket price and bring the price of K-Phos to less than $30 at participating pharmacies.

Osmoprep is a phosphate supplement that is more expensive. It is only available as a brand-name drug, and the out-of-pocket price is approximately $380. With an Osmoprep coupon from SingleCare, you can lower the price to about $260. Your pharmacist can help determine which phosphate supplement may be more cost-effective for you.