
Phosphorus is found in most foods, but some are particularly rich in this compound, including dairy products such as milk, cottage cheese, and yoghurt. While phosphorus is essential for good health, excessive amounts can be harmful, especially for those with kidney disease. As cheddar cheese is a dairy product, it is a source of phosphorus, but is it high in phosphorus?
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What You'll Learn

Cheddar cheese is a source of phosphorus
Cheddar cheese is indeed a source of phosphorus, a mineral that is found in most foods. Phosphorus is essential for the body, but people with kidney disease may need to limit their intake as they can have trouble removing it from their blood.
Phosphorus is a compound that can be either organic or inorganic. Inorganic phosphorus is also known as phosphorus additives and is often found in processed cheese. On the other hand, organic phosphorus occurs naturally in cheese. Cheddar cheese, like other dairy products, contains both types of phosphorus.
The amount of phosphorus in cheese varies depending on the type and brand. For example, gouda cheese is high in phosphorus, with 155 mg per ounce, while brie contains only 40 mg of phosphorus in a 3/4 ounce serving. Cottage cheese is another type of cheese that is a good source of phosphorus, with full-fat cottage cheese containing slightly more phosphorus than its low-fat counterpart.
If you are monitoring your phosphorus intake, it is important to read the labels of different cheeses and be mindful of portion sizes. While cheese can be a source of phosphorus, it can be incorporated into a kidney-friendly diet in moderation and with guidance from a healthcare professional.
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Phosphorus is linked to kidney health
Phosphorus is an essential mineral found in most foods, and it plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. However, for individuals with kidney disease, the body may struggle to eliminate excess phosphorus from the blood, leading to potential health complications. Therefore, regulating phosphorus intake becomes crucial for those with kidney-related issues.
Cheese, being a dairy product, is a source of phosphorus. While cheese can be incorporated into a renal diet, moderation is key. The phosphorus content in cheese varies, with some types, such as Gouda, being notably higher in phosphorus than others. For example, an ounce of Gouda cheese contains approximately 155 mg of phosphorus. On the other hand, softer cheeses like Brie contain less phosphorus, with 3/4 ounce of Brie providing around 40 mg.
Processed cheeses, such as nacho or American cheese, often contain added phosphorus in the form of phosphorus additives, which further increases their phosphorus content. These additives are also linked to higher sodium levels in the cheese. Therefore, individuals with kidney disease should be cautious about consuming processed cheeses and carefully read the ingredient labels.
To manage phosphorus intake, individuals with kidney disease should consult with a kidney dietitian to determine their personalized dietary needs. Portion control is also essential, as even low-phosphorus cheeses can become a significant source of phosphorus if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, individuals can consider making their own cheese at home to have better control over the phosphorus and sodium content.
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Phosphorus is found in many foods
Phosphorus is found in most foods, but some foods are especially good sources. Dairy products like milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of phosphorus, providing at least 10% of the daily value (DV) per serving. While non-fat and low-fat dairy products contain the most phosphorus, full-fat versions still contain a significant amount. For example, full-fat cottage cheese is a bit higher in phosphorus than its low-fat counterpart.
Cheese is another source of phosphorus, although the amount varies depending on the type and brand. On average, one ounce of cheese provides about 117 milligrams of phosphorus. However, the phosphorus content can range from as little as 15 milligrams to as much as 160 milligrams per standard portion size. Firm and hard cheeses tend to have higher phosphorus content, with Gouda cheese containing 155 milligrams per ounce. Processed cheeses like American or nacho cheese also tend to have phosphorus additives, increasing their phosphorus content.
Meats such as chicken, turkey, and pork are also good sources of phosphorus. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of roasted chicken or turkey contains around 230 milligrams of phosphorus, while the same serving size of boneless pork loin provides 197 milligrams. Organ meats, including beef brain and liver, are particularly rich in phosphorus, with a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of pan-fried cow's brain supplying a significant amount.
Whole grains like wheat, oats, rice, amaranth, and quinoa also contain a lot of phosphorus. Beans and lentils are other plant-based sources of phosphorus, with one cup of boiled lentils providing 356 milligrams, or 28% of the DV. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also high in phosphorus, with one ounce (28 grams) of roasted seeds yielding roughly 332 to 341 milligrams, or 26% to 27% of the DV. However, it's important to note that a large portion of the phosphorus in seeds is in the form of phytic acid, which humans cannot digest.
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Phosphorus content varies across cheese types
Processed cheeses, such as nacho or American cheese, tend to have phosphorus additives and are therefore higher in phosphorus. These cheeses are also typically higher in sodium. On the other hand, Brie is considered a low-phosphorus cheese, containing 40 mg of phosphorus per 3/4 ounce.
The phosphorus content in cheese can also depend on the brand. For example, fresh mozzarella may have a lower phosphorus content than the low-moisture variety. Additionally, homemade cheese may have lower phosphorus levels than commercial cheese, as it does not contain phosphorus additives.
It is important to note that individuals with kidney disease may need to monitor their phosphorus intake. While phosphorus does not always need to be restricted, those with high phosphorus levels may need to limit their consumption. Portion size is crucial in controlling phosphorus intake, as even low-phosphorus cheeses can become high-phosphorus when consumed in large quantities.
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Phosphorus additives are found in processed cheese
Phosphorus is found in most foods, and phosphorus additives are commonly found in processed cheese. Phosphorus is a compound that can be either organic or inorganic. Inorganic phosphorus is also known as phosphorus additives and is found in ingredient lists. Phosphorus is naturally present in milk, and therefore, cheese. However, phosphorus additives are added to processed cheese varieties, increasing their phosphorus content.
Processed cheeses, such as nacho or American cheese, tend to have phosphorus additives and are also higher in sodium. People with kidney disease may need to limit their phosphorus intake and are often recommended to follow a low-sodium diet, making these processed cheeses less suitable for them.
Cheese is often limited on renal diets due to its high phosphorus content. High phosphorus levels in the body are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and weak bones, and can even accelerate kidney disease progression. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with kidney-related issues to monitor their phosphorus intake.
While cheese is a source of phosphorus, not all cheeses are equally high in phosphorus. The phosphorus content in cheese varies, ranging from 15 mg to 160 mg per standard portion size. Portion size is essential in controlling phosphorus intake. Even a low-phosphorus cheese can become high-phosphorus if consumed in large quantities.
Additionally, making cheese at home can be a way to avoid phosphorus additives found in commercial cheese. Homemade cheese will likely have lower phosphorus content than some commercial varieties.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is high in phosphorus, with 155 mg of phosphorus per ounce. Most cheeses are high in phosphorus, with phosphorus content ranging from 15mg to 160mg per standard portion size.
Phosphorus is a compound that can be either organic or inorganic. People with kidney disease can have trouble removing phosphorus from their blood and may need to limit their intake. High phosphorus levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, weak bones, and faster progression of kidney disease.
Some low-phosphorus foods include dairy products like low-fat or non-fat milk and yogurt, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth, and beans and lentils.

























