What Are the Health Benefits of Monosodium Phosphate?

Monosodium phosphate, also known as monobasic sodium phosphate, is a combination of the synthetic forms of phosphorus and sodium. Your doctor might prescribe it if you are at risk for a phosphorus deficiency due to an illness, disease or inadequate diet. Many aspects of your health depend on keeping the right balance of phosphorus in your body, so talk to your doctor before consuming monosodium phosphate.

Importance of Phosphorus

Every cell in your body needs phosphorus to grow, develop, repair and function properly, and the majority of it can be found in your bones. It helps your kidneys get rid of waste and influences your body’s storage and distribution of energy. If you exercise, phosphorus can even help lessen the amount of pain you experience post-workout. Failing to get enough of the mineral can harm your health and result in a phosphorus deficiency, the symptoms of which include:

• anxiety
  
• bone pain
  
• a loss of appetite
  
• stiff joints
  
• fatigue
  
• irregular breathing
  
• fluctuations in your weight

Who Needs Supplements?

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Phosphorus can be found in many foods and it is rare for someone to not get enough of it in her diet; however, certain conditions can cause your phosphorus levels to lower, such as alcoholism, diabetes and starvation. Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and other malabsorption conditions also can inhibit your body’s ability to absorb phosphorus from your food. Certain medications can lower your phosphorus levels as well. Taking a monosodium phosphate supplement can help treat and prevent a phosphorus deficiency and the accompanying symptoms.

RDA and Risks of Overdosing

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, adults over the age of 19 need 700 milligrams of phosphorus a day 2. Your doctor can help you determine the proper dose of your monosodium phosphate supplement, as well as how much of the mineral you should get from your diet. Never exceed the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, of phosphorus, or take more monosodium phosphate than prescribed without discussing it with your doctor. Ingesting too many phosphate supplements can prove toxic and lead to diarrhea and a hardening of your organs, and also can inhibit your body’s ability to absorb other essential minerals. The tolerable upper limit for phosphorus is 4,000 milligrams a day for adults between the ages of 19 and 70, according to the Linus Pauling Institute 2.

Additional Considerations

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A phosphorus deficiency can be dangerous to your health, so do not stop taking your phosphorus supplement without your doctor’s approval. Monosodium phosphate and other phosphorus supplements can interact with several medications, so it is important to tell your doctor what else you take prior to ingesting the supplements. Seek medical attention if you experience any adverse reactions to your supplements, including dizziness, an irregular heart rate, confusion, muscle cramps, unusual thirst, decreased urination, or tiredness.