Minerals · mmol/L

Phosphate

Phosphate is a mineral that builds bones together with calcium and is part of energy molecules (ATP) and cell membranes. Its level is regulated by the kidneys, PTH and vitamin D.

Ranges we useNORIP (Nordic Reference Interval Project)
RatingRangeWhat it means
Talk to a doctorbelow 0.81 mmol/LLow phosphate — seek advice.
Good0.81 – 1.45 mmol/LWithin the reference range.
Talk to a doctor1.45 mmol/L and aboveHigh phosphate — kidneys/parathyroid glands; seek advice.

This marker also has 4 age- or sex-specific range sets in the app — the table shows the general one.

Source: NORIP (Nordic Reference Interval Project) · Reference intervals for common clinical chemistry components (Rustad P et al., NORIP) · 2004 · open

Why it matters

An abnormal value points to the kidneys or parathyroid glands.

If it’s low

Low phosphate can cause muscle weakness; causes include poor diet, alcohol, absorption disorders or overactive parathyroid glands.

If it’s high

High phosphate is common with poorer kidney function (not enough is excreted) and can burden the blood vessels and bones.

What to do

Evaluate together with the kidneys, calcium and PTH — these reveal the cause and the action. With kidney disease, phosphate restriction is a medical decision.

Read together with

Calcium · Parathyroid hormone (PTH) · eGFR · Vitamin D

This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.

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