Phosphorus RDA for 14-Year-Olds: 1,250 mg Daily per NIH Guidelines

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements establishes the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for phosphorus at 1,250 mg/day for adolescents aged 14–18 years (both sexes).

Context

• Peak bone mass accrual occurs during adolescence; phosphorus (with calcium, vitamin D) is critical for hydroxyapatite formation.
• Typical US intake exceeds RDA (processed foods, cola, additives); deficiency rare except in malnutrition, malabsorption, or certain genetic disorders (XLH).
• Upper Limit (UL): 4,000 mg/day (14–18 yr). Excess may disrupt calcium homeostasis, vascular calcification risk.

Food Sources

• Dairy, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, whole grains.
• Phosphate additives in processed foods contribute 300–1,000 mg/day.