Phosphorus is an essential mineral primarily used for growth and repair of body cells and tissues.
Phosphorus is commonly found in the body as phosphate. Phosphates play an important role in energy production as components of ATP, or adenosine triphosphate. ATP is readily used to fuel your body's many functions. Structurally, ATP consists of adenosine, an organic compound, and three phosphate molecules. When bonding between one phosphate and adenosine is severed, energy is released which then fires cellular activity. According to the authors of "Nutrition," energy released from ATP is used quickly, so your body contains only a small amount at any one time.
Phosphorus also acts as a buffer, neutralizing acids to maintain normal pH in the blood.
Phosphorus is in bones and teeth.