# Phosphate --- **Phosphate** or **hydrogen phosphate** (HPO$_4^{2-}$) is an important [[electrolytes|electrolyte]] mainly found in our [[body fluids|intracellular fluid]] where it works with [[potassium]] to maintain fluid balance. It is found in [[adenosine triphosphate]] and the [[plasma membrane|phospholipid bilayer]]. It is It is one of our [[blood buffer systems]], which helps maintain our blood pH balance, and it is essential to [[bone]] health--about 85% of our phosphorus is stored in our bones. >[!science] Normal Values The normal value of phosphate are 3.0-4.5 ## Elemental Phosphorus [[element|Elemental]] phosphorus is found in other areas of our bodies, not just in the phosphate ion, such as our bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also a key component in both [[adenosine triphosphate]] and our [[nucleic acid|nucleic acids]]. ## Dietary Sources Phosphorus is found in many foods, although we only absorb about 55-70% of the phosphorus that we eat. Most of the phosphorus we eat comes in the form of *phytic acid*, which is how plants store it. We can't break down phytic acid, but our [[normal microbiota]] in our intestines *can*. [[vitamin|Vitamin D]] helps us absorb phosphorus, and antacids with aluminum or calcium carbonate reduces our absorption - diary - careful with this one, it's also high in calcium - nuts - seeds - grains - meat - chocolate and cola ## Phosphate Imbalances When you are looking at phosphate balances, you really need to think about calcium, because they have an inverse relations. - [[hyperphosphatemia]] is when there is too high a concentration of phosphate in the blood. - [[hypophosphatemia]] is when there is too low a concentration of phosphate in the blood. _____