Foods High in Phosphorus and When Phosphorus Needs Limiting
Which foods are high in phosphorus according to MedlinePlus, the NHS and kidney organizations, how absorption differs by food type, and why people with kidney disease need dietitian-led limits.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Kidney disease first
Most people do not need to limit phosphorus. MedlinePlus says phosphorus is so available in the food supply that deficiency is rare. [1] The exception is chronic kidney disease (CKD): the kidneys cannot remove extra phosphorus, which can build up in the blood. [2] NIDDK says too much phosphorus in the blood can harm blood vessels, make bones thin and weak, and cause itchy skin and bone and joint pain. [2] If you have CKD, a registered dietitian and your kidney doctor decide what to limit, and the lists below are not a diet plan. Do not cut out dairy or protein foods on your own: NIDDK says protein needs change over time and should be set with a dietitian. [2]Foods that provide phosphorus
This page lists food groups as the sources describe them. It does not give milligrams per serving: we could not read a food-composition database this session, and we do not quote amounts from memory. For exact figures, search USDA FoodData Central or your country's food table.| Food group | What the sources say | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Meat, poultry and fish | Main sources of natural phosphorus; the NHS lists red meat, poultry and fish | [1] [3] |
| Milk and dairy | Main sources; kidney guidance lists cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream and pudding as higher in phosphorus | [1] [4] |
| Bread, brown rice and oats | Listed by the NHS as sources. Whole-grain products contain more phosphorus than refined ones, but it is stored in a form humans do not absorb | [3] [1] |
| Nuts, beans | Natural phosphorus in protein-rich plant foods | [4] |
| Organ meats, oysters, sardines, fish roe | Named by NKF as high-phosphorus protein foods to limit on kidney diets | [4] |
| Processed foods with phosphate additives | Include fast foods, ready-to-eat foods, canned and bottled drinks, enhanced meats, deli meats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage and pizza | [4] [1] |
| Dark colas, cocoa, canned iced teas, beer | Drinks named by NKF as higher in phosphorus | [4] |
| Fruits and vegetables | Contain only small amounts | [1] |
Absorption and cooking notes
Absorption differs by source. Phosphorus in animal foods is absorbed more easily than in plant foods, and additive phosphorus is described as completely absorbed. [4] Whole grains hold their phosphorus in a form humans cannot absorb. [1] These statements come from MedlinePlus and a kidney-disease patient page. The sources we read do not describe the effect of boiling or other cooking on phosphorus, so we make no cooking claims.If your clinician asks you to limit phosphorus
The kidney sources describe these steps:- Limit or avoid packaged and processed foods and drinks with added phosphorus, such as deli meats and flavored drinks. [2]
- Check ingredient lists for "phosphorus" or words with "PHOS". [2]
- Eat larger portions of fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in phosphorus, and smaller portions of high-phosphorus foods. [2]
- Lower-phosphorus swaps named by NKF include unenriched rice milk, apple juice, cottage cheese, chicken, turkey, eggs, apples, berries and grapes. [4]
As kidney disease advances, doctors may prescribe a phosphate binder, a medicine that binds phosphorus in food in the stomach so it is removed in the stool. [2] Timing and use come from your care team. Do not start, stop or skip one yourself.
Related
Phosphorus intake levels and additives, Phosphorus, Foods high in potassium, Minerals and kidney disease, Dietitians and nutritionists.Frequently asked questions
What foods are highest in phosphorus?
MedlinePlus names meat and milk as the main sources, plus processed foods with sodium phosphate. [1]
Do vegetables and fruits contain phosphorus?
Only small amounts. [1]
Is phosphorus in whole grains absorbed?
MedlinePlus says whole-grain phosphorus is stored in a form humans do not absorb. [1]
Should I follow a low-phosphorus diet?
Only if a clinician advises it, usually for kidney disease. NKF says your kidney dietitian and doctor will help with this. [4]
What does a phosphate binder do?
NIDDK says it is a medicine that binds phosphorus in the stomach so it leaves in the stool. [2]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Supplements and other cautions
The NHS says you should be able to get all the phosphorus you need from a varied diet, and that 250 mg or less a day from supplements on top of food is unlikely to cause harm. [3] High short-term supplement doses can cause diarrhea or stomach pain. [3] Ask a clinician or pharmacist before using phosphorus supplements, particularly with kidney disease, and see Medication Interactions.
References
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine). Review date 1/21/2025. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Phosphorus in diet. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (US NIH). Last reviewed January 2025. NIDDK, Healthy Eating for Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease. Read 2026-10-23.
- NHS (UK). Page last reviewed 3 August 2020. NHS, Vitamins and minerals: Others (magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, salt). Read 2026-10-23.
- National Kidney Foundation (US). Last updated July 16, 2024. National Kidney Foundation, Phosphorus and Your CKD Diet. Read 2026-10-23.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.