Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the animal body, with about 80% found in the bones and teeth (Suttle, 2010). The primary role of P is not surprisingly, the formation and maintenance of bone structure. P is stored in bones at a 2:1 ratio with Ca. Think of bricks and mortar, with P being the mortar. One is not stored without the other, and without adequate supply of either mineral, then bone maintenance/ mineralisation will not occur (Horst, 1986).
The remaining 20% of P, is widely distributed in the fluids and soft tissues of the body where it has many functions which include, but are not limited to, energy utilisation and transfer, a component of DNA structure, fatty acid transport and protein synthesis (Suttle, 2010).
Continued .. (Prepared by Cameron Burton)
