For people on dialysis too much phosphorus can harm their hearts and make bones weak. Excess phosphorus is normally removed by working kidneys through urine. However, for those with kidney failure, they are no longer able to remove phosphorus and it builds up in their blood stream. Dialysis helps remove some of the phosphorus, but the key to keeping phosphorus normal is to limit how much is consumed. In addition to eating low-phosphorus foods, phosphorus binders are prescribed.  “Binders” act like sponges to keep phosphorus out of the blood.

Unlike other medicines, phosphorus binders work in the stomach and GI (gastrointestinal) track to absorb phosphorus before it can go into the blood. To be effective, binders need to be taken at the same time as meals (and phosphorus containing snacks) are eaten. Example of binders are Tums®, Phoslo®, Renvela®, Auryxia®, Velphoro® and Fosrenol®.