Is there a difference?

[Brianna!]

Is there a difference between phosphorus and phosphate? I hear some people say stay away from phosphorus and some people stay away from phosphate. I thought there was a difference?

Any replies are appreciated!

[RichardMEL]

Not really. Phosphorous (P) is the element, while Phosphate (PO4) is the most usual occurance of it in our food and I actually think Phosphate is more dangerous than Phosphorous alone, though I could be wrong on that. I think folks use both to mean the same thing.