Hidden phosphorus in popular beverages.

To maintain normal serum phosphorus levels, dialysis patient education has emphasized adherence with phosphate binder prescription and low phosphorus diet. In addition to the standard advice to avoid dairy products and legumes, education also focused on lower phosphorus protein foods and beverages. To meet the public's demands for more high quality convenience food, food-processing practices have stepped up the use of phosphorus additives. These additives are now found in beverages that were once considered low in phosphorus content.