what is the difference between phosphorus and phosphate
The terms phosphorus and phosphate are often used interchangeably when talking about testing, but it is the amount of inorganic phosphate in the blood that is measured with a serum phosphorus/phosphate test. Phosphates are vital for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth. They also play an important role as a buffer, helping to maintain the body's acid-base balance. Phosphorus comes into the body through the diet. It is found in many foods and is readily absorbed by the intestines. About 70-80% of the body's phosphates combine with calcium to help form bones and teeth, another 10% are found in muscle, and about 1% is in nerve tissue.