What is the normal range for phosphorus levels in mg/dl?

The normal range for phosphorus levels in the blood is crucial for maintaining various physiological functions, including bone health and energy metabolism. The correct range is typically identified as 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dl. This range is important for monitoring patients, especially those undergoing dialysis, as they may experience altered phosphorus levels. Typically, elevated phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease and bone disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease.

The choice indicating a range of 3.5 to 5.5 mg/dl is misleading because it includes values above the standard upper limit, which can suggest pathological conditions rather than normal physiological states. Confusion may arise from varying reference ranges used in different laboratories, but clinical standards widely accepted focus on the 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dl range for healthy individuals, making it the correct answer to this question.