Phosphorus Binders in the Diet

It is recommended that we control the phosphorus in our diets. 

The following website provides some great phosphorus binders we should take before we eat.

http://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/phosphorus-binders-(phosphate-binders)-and-the-dialysis-diet/e/5307

Common types of phosphorus binders (phosphate binders)

There are three common types of phosphorus binders: calcium-based phosphorus binders; aluminum-free, calcium-free phosphorus binders, aluminum-based phosphorus binders and magnesium-based phosphorus binders.

• Calcium-based phosphorus binders have largely replaced aluminum-based binders. Calcium-based phosphate binders may also serve as calcium supplements. Calcium acetate, also called PhosLo®, is one commonly used phosphorus binder. There are many others, usually containing calcium carbonate. Tums® is a form of calcium carbonate, which can also be effective. Because most people will need to take several phosphate binders with every meal, there may be concern about dialysis patients absorbing too much calcium from these medicines, so calcium levels must be monitored. Additionally, some of the calcium from these binders is absorbed into the bloodstream and may deposit in small blood vessels, causing organ damage. 

• Aluminum-free, calcium-free phosphorus binders, such as Renagel® (sevelamer) and Renvela (sevelamer carbonate), are another type of phosphate binders. These phosphorus binders mix with phosphorus in the intestinal tract, but do not contain aluminum or calcium, so they don't cause problems with excess aluminum or calcium load. Chewable Fosrenol®, lanthanum carbonate, is another aluminum and calcium free binder.

• Aluminum-based phosphorus binders have been shown to have toxic side effects that cause bone disease and damage the nervous system, therefore they are rarely prescribed as a long term phosphorus binder today. Aluminum based binders may be prescribed for short term use when phosphorus is poorly controlled and other binders are not effective.

• Magnesium-based phosphorus binders may be used as an alternative to calcium-based phosphate binders when it is necessary for a patient to have a lower calcium intake. Magnesium levels should be monitored. This phosphate binder may be appropriate for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, who tend to run lower magnesium levels.

Phosphorus binders combined with a low-phosphate diet can help keep you active and healthy. Talk to your doctor or renal dietitian to find out more about phosphorus binders and which combination may work best for you.

 

See the article for more information.  Great resource!