Why is Phosphorus Important?

Your kidneys help remove extra phosphorus from your blood. When your kidneys don’t work well, phosphorus can build up and cause problems like:

• Weak bones and bone pain
• Hardening of blood vessels (which can increase heart risk)
• Other health issues

Phosphorus and Kidney Disease: What You Should Know

• Early stages of kidney disease (Stages 1–3): Usually, you don’t need to limit phosphorus unless your blood test shows it’s high.
• Later stages (Stages 4–5, not on dialysis): You may need to eat less phosphorus if your levels start to rise.
• If you are on dialysis: Controlling phosphorus is very important because your diet often includes more protein, which contains phosphorus.

Foods High in Phosphorus to Limit or Avoid

Try to eat less of these:

• Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products
• Processed meats like deli meats, hot dogs, sausages
• Nuts and seeds
• Colas and sodas with phosphate additives
• Processed or fast foods with added phosphorus

Foods Lower in Phosphorus That Are Safer Choices

You can enjoy these more often:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• White bread and rice (instead of whole grain, which has more phosphorus)
• Lentils and beans (in moderation)
• Fresh meats like chicken or fish (without processed additives)

Helpful Tips

• Read food labels carefully — look for ingredients like “phosphates,” “phosphoric acid,” or anything with “phosph-” — these are added phosphorus.
• Avoid fast food and processed foods when possible, as they often have extra phosphorus.
• Work with your dietitian or healthcare team to find a balanced diet that meets your nutrition needs.

Remember

• Your doctor will check your blood phosphorus levels regularly and tell you if you need to adjust your diet.
• Don’t cut back on protein too much — it’s important for your health! Your dietitian will help you find the right balance.
• Taking medications called phosphate binders may be needed if diet changes aren’t enough to control phosphorus.