Phosphate Deficiency

What is it?

Hypophosphatemia (low levels of phosphate in the blood) leading to:

Rickets

Use

Used for energy production
Help with healthy teeth and bones
Help to make cell walls and DNA

Disease or conditions causing deficiency

Prolonged diarrhoea
Family history – Familial hypophosphatemia (intestines and/or kidney not able to absorb Vitamin D or the body is unable to use Vitamin D and/or phosphate)
Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in the urine)
Autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets type 1 (ARHR1)
Autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets type 2 (ARHR2)
Hyperparathyroidism
Kidney disorders including dialysis
Severe malnutrition
Starvation
Anorexia
Alcoholism
Severe burns
Diabetic acidosis
Alcoholism

Syndromes

Medication (normally taken over long periods of time)

Patients taking calcium and aluminium based drugs i.e. antacids, supplements
Aciclovir (Zovirax)
Acetaminophen/Paracetamol (Tylenol)
Androgens (Testosterone supplements and used in cancers)
Bisphosphonates
Corticosteroids
Diuretics
Insulin and/or glucagon
Mannitol (Osmitrol)
Nutrients such as glucose, fructose, glycerol, lactate, and amino acids
Theophylline

Signs & Symptoms of deficiency

Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Bone pain
Bone fractures
Appetite loss
Irritability
Numbness
Confusion
Slowed growth and shorter than normal height in children
Tooth decay or late baby teeth

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait phone for an ambulance if have and/or develop:

Rhabdomyolysis (Crush syndrome)

This condition can lead to:

Rickets and Osteomalacia
Rhabdomyolysis (Crush syndrome) – death of muscle fibres and release of their contents into the bloodstream, which may lead to serious complications such as renal (kidney) failure
Breathing failure
Red blood cell destruction (Haemolytic anaemia)
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Phosphate Deficiency in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

NHS
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