Hypophosphatemia
Low blood phosphate; Phosphate - low; Hyperparathyroidism - low phosphateHypophosphatemia is a low level of phosphorus (phosphate) in the blood.
Phosphorus
The phosphorus blood test measures the amount of phosphate in the blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
The following may cause hypophosphatemia:
- Alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder is when your drinking causes serious problems in your life, yet you keep drinking. You may also need more and more alcohol to f...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Antacids
- Certain medicines, including insulin, acetazolamide, foscarnet, imatinib, intravenous iron, niacin, pentamidine, sorafenib, and tenofovir
- Fanconi syndrome
- Fat malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract
- Hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland)
- Starvation
- Too little vitamin D
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Bone pain
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will examine you.
The following tests may be done:
- Kidney function tests
- Parathyroid hormone level
- Vitamin D blood test
Exam and testing may show:
- Anemia due to too many red blood cells being destroyed (hemolytic anemia)
Hemolytic anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Normally, red ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy)
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is disease in which the heart muscle becomes weakened, stretched, or has another structural problem. It often contributes to the hear...
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Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Phosphate can be given by mouth or through a vein (IV).
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well you do depends on what has caused the condition.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have muscle weakness or confusion.
References
Chonchol M, Smogorzewski MJ, Stubbs, JR, Yu ASL. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.
Klemm KM, Klein MJ, Zhang Y. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 16.
Yu ASL. Diseases of magnesium and phosphorus. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 105.
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Review Date: 12/31/2023
Reviewed By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.