Phosphorus Interactions
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Interactions with Medications and Supplements
The following are the medications and supplements that are more likely to cause an adverse reaction with phosphorus supplements:
- Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids can reduce blood phosphorus levels to a level that it can increase the risk of fluid retention (oedema), due to the imbalance of the electrolytes, of which phosphorus is one (the others are calcium, chloride, potassium, sodium), especially in longer-term use of this medication. - Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium or calcium
Antacids containing aluminium can bind with the phosphorus and interfere with its absorption. Antacids containing magnesium or calcium lower the blood levels of phosphorus, especially in longer-term use of this medication. - Captopril
Captopril, a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, may raise the blood levels of potassium too high and cause a condition called hyperkalaemia, which can have very serious and adverse health implications. - Corticosteroids, Cortisone drugs or ACTH
Cortisone drugs and Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications which are used in a number of illnesses, but which can cause a reduction in the phosphorus levels and precipitate secondary hyperparathyroidism. ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) is a naturally occurring hormone which is secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal glands to produce their hormones. When synthetic ACTH is administered it can cause a reduction in the phosphorus levels and precipitate secondary hyperparathyroidism. Both cortisone and ACTH can cause an elevation of blood sodium levels, especially in longer-term use of this medication. - Digitalis preparations
Digitalis preparations are used for people with heart disease, but this medication may raise the blood levels of potassium too high and cause a condition called hyperkalaemia, which can have very serious and adverse health implications, especially in longer-term use of this medication. - Dilantin
Dilantin (also known as Phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug used to control seizures. Usage of Dilantin may cause a decreased absorption of phosphorus, especially in longer-term use of this medication. - Enalapril
Enalapril, a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, may raise the blood levels of potassium too high and cause a condition called hyperkalaemia, which can have very serious and adverse health implications. - Iron supplements
Iron supplements should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking phosphorus supplements because the phosphorus can interfere with and reduce the absorption of the iron supplements. - Salicylates
Salicylates are naturally-occuring substances found in many foods, but are also used as food additives and can cause allergic reactions in some people. If phosphorus supplements are taken at the same time as foods high in salicylates, it may cause the blood levels of the salicylates to be elevated, which could cause more allergic problems in salicylate-sensitive people. - Testosterone
Testosterone is a naturally occurring steroid sex hormone, but which can be taken in supplement form too. If phosphorus supplements are taken at the same time as testosterone, it can cause an imbalance of the electrolytes (phosphorus is one of them, the others are calcium, chloride, potassium and sodium), which can increase the risk of severe fluid retention (oedema).
Phosphorus has adverse reactions with a whole range of medications and some supplements
Interactions with Medications and Supplements
The following are the medications and supplements that are more likely to have a beneficial reaction with phosphorus supplements:
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D is sometimes given with phosphorus supplements (together with boron, magnesium and calcium) to aid in bone strength and increase mineralisation of bone. While vitamin D is excellent for this function as it helps with phosphorus absorption, but if supplemental levels of both vitamin D and phosphorus are too high, this can result in too much phosphorus in the blood and cells of the body, which can cause an electrolyte imbalance.