The bodys ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be 2.5:1. When this ratio is too high, alkalizing tendencies are difficult to control. Phosphoric acid supplies dietary ash buffers which offset the symptoms of alkalosis. Symptoms are joint stiffness upon arising, edema, nausea, pyloric spasms, muscle cramps, bradycardia and excessive salivation. Urine chemistry may show an alkaline pH, decreased chlorides, increased sodium and potassium, high bicarbonate and little or no ammonia.

O.P.A. is of value in lowering uric acid levels and as an aid in the digestion of carbohydrates. Phosphorus is needed for blood clotting, bone and tooth formation, cell growth, normal heart rhythm and kidney function.