Phosphate chemicals widely used in the food industry may have a negative effect on the heart and blood pressure, according to a new study.
The Austrian researchers have linked the chemicals to a hormone crucial for keep sodium levels and blood pressure down in the body.
The hormone FGF23 prevents the kidneys expelling sodium – and is stimulated by consumption of large quantities of phosphates, according to researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna.
Phosphates are found in processed cheese, baking powder, cola, Parmesan and most other processed foods.
They have reported their findings in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.
Researcher Reinhold Erben said: "Our phosphate consumption is relevant for our state of health.
"In patients with chronic renal disease, both the phosphate levels and the levels of FGF23 are chronically high. This often leads to cardiovascular disease."
FGF23 Regulates Renal Sodium Handling and Blood Pressure. EMBO Molecular Medicine 5 May 2014; doi:10.1002/emmm.201303716 [abstract]
Leave a Reply