A diet high in phosphate chemicals may contribute to the development of heart disease, British researchers reported last night.
Offal, veal, dairy products and foods such as biscuits, cakes and sweets are high in phosphates.
Now Sheffield University researchers say they have found a direct link between phosphates and the development of heart disease.
The findings, reported in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, come from a study of laboratory mice.
The researchers say it might be possible to reduce phosphate levels in the human body using drugs. However the study also suggested low phosphate levels can lead to insulin resistance – a precursor of diabetes.
Researcher Dr Tim Chico said: “This is a very early, but exciting finding, as it suggests that by reducing the amount of phosphate in the blood we may have discovered a new approach to reducing heart disease.
"We’re now hoping to extend our research further and look into developing new treatments to help reduce phosphate levels in the bloodstream.”
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. June 2, 2011, doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.111.231001
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