Mineral: Phosphate is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. The current known regulators of phosphate homeostasis include a variety of hormones (parathyroid hormone and calictrol) which can both attribute directly to secretion of fibroblast growth factor 23. Maintenance of phosphate levels as we age is important for many biological process, including energy metabolism, cell signaling, regulation of protein synthesis, skeletal development and bone integrity. The presence of adequate amounts of phosphate is critical for apoptosis of mature chondrocytes. Without the appropriate amount of phosphate available in the body, osteomalachia can form (links to calcitrol secretion and vitamin D). When this goes addressed bone mineral density issues may form (osteopenia and osteoporosis).
When the Evolt calculates phosphorus content, it is looking at phosphorus in the body as a whole. There is a descent of inorganic phosphate in the blood that is used in the “mineral” content number. It’s tricky because when people are diagnosed with bone mineral disease the medication (if they are taking it) is meant to affect calcitriol, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D secretion, all of which can alter phosphorus levels in the body. It is also common to see those with bone mineral disease diagnoses (osteomalachia, osteopenia, and osteoporosis) to have high phosphorus levels as it can build up in your body and bind to calcium. This can cause calcium levels to decrease, which can weaken bones.