On the phosphate problem.

Abstract

Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADI) of phosphorus set by the FAO/WHO Committee are fixed at 70 and 30 mg P/kg body weight, for conditional (C) (where Ca intake is high) and unconditional (UC) intake, respectively. In light of the increasing application of phosphates in food industries, the question arises whether these permissible limits are not exceeded by certain population group (s). The groups studied in this paper included: children, nursing mothers, farmers and town's men, and students. Average per capita and excessive consumptions were also estimated. Spectrometric techniques were used for analysis of both phosphorus and calcium. Unless for few items, Dutch Food Composition Tables were found accurate enough to use for calculations. Intake of P was found to exceed the UC ADI in most groups, and even the C ADI in infants (1 year). Food intakes of all groups resulted in P/Ca ratios higher than the recommended dietary allowances of U.S.A. Milk and dairy products proved important items for lowering this ratio in the Dutch diet. It is concluded that more investigation for the toxicological evaluation of phosphates is required, and a more clear ADI need be set. Food laws must take into account addition of phosphates during food processing. Estimation of P intake should be carried out particularly in countries of low calcium intake or high consumption of phosphate-treated or phosphate-rich foods (e.g. wholemeal bread and nut consumption in Iran).