Phosphorus deficiency is uncommon, because dietary intake is usually adequate.1 Chronic alcoholics may become deficient in phosphorus.2 and people taking large amounts of aluminum-containing antacids3
One study has shown that taking calcium can interfere with
the absorption of phosphorus, which, like calcium, is important for bone
health.4. Although most western diets contain ample or even
excessive amounts of phosphorus, older people who supplement with large amounts
of calcium may be at risk of developing phosphorus deficiency. For this reason,
the authors of this study recommend that, for elderly people, at least some of
the supplemental calcium be taken in the form of tricalcium phosphate or some
other phosphorus-containing preparation.