Hypophosphatemia

[emil123]

Hello,
I have been having left-sided stomach/back pain in the ribcage area for over a year.  They have run a ct-scan and ultrasound and so far only found gallstones.  On my labs, however, I had low vitamin d-25 and low serum phosphate (2.0 mg/dl).  My doctor gave me vitamin d supplements and then I started taking 2,000 IU per day.  Recently, I had another blood test and my serum phosphate had dropped to 1.6 mg/dl with normal being 2.5 mg/dl - 5 mg/dl for the lab that did the test.  Is this something I should be concerned about and pursue with the doctor or is this normal?  My vitamin d-25 levels have all been in the 20-30 mg/dl range since I started feeling ill.  Also, I've had a hard time finding supplements that contain phosphorus.  Are there any you can recommend?  Any information is greatly appreciated as my fatigue and stomach problems seem to be slowly getting worse.  Prior to feeling ill, my phosphate level was normal in 2008 about 3 mg/dl.

[Renee Radenberg]

Low serum phosphorus is usually caused from vitamin D deficiency, malabsorption; medications binding phosphate, such as antacids, steroids, insulin, and epinephrine; large consummation of alcohol; and certain disease states, such as, renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, and DKA. Phosphorus is very abundant in our food sources especially in dairy products and meats. An increase in phosphorus foods will increase your Vitamin D and calcium levels, too. If your levels do not increase from increase of foods, then suggest having your MD check medical reasons as examples above.

[emil123]

Thanks for your response.  I currently take 2000 IU's of vitamin D per day and still my phosphorus is going down.  My calcium levels are normal: 9.5 - 10.0.  I do not drink alcohol nor do I take antacids; however, I will bring the other issues you mentioned up with my doctor.  Thanks again.