Phosphorus can be found in foods (organic phosphorus) and is naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meats, poultry, fish, nuts, beans and dairy products.

Where does phosphorus originally come from?

Phosphorus was first made by Hennig Brandt in Hamburg in Germany in 1669. When he evaporated urine and heated the residue until it was red hot. Glowing phosphorus vapour came off and he condensed it under water. And for more than 100 years most phosphorus was made this way.

What is the main source of phosphorus?

The largest source or reservoir of phosphorus on earth is sediments, typically sedimentary rocks. There is a significant amount of phosphorous is ocean sediments as well. Phosphorous can also be found in plants, animals, and the soil.