Phosphate Levels In Blood Linked To Heart Disease, Metabolic Syndrome

Scientists in the U.K. have discovered a link between dietary phosphate levels in the blood and both heart disease and insulin resistance. Cholesterol deposits in artery walls increase with a high phosphate diet, which includes foods like biscuits, cakes, sweets, dairy products and meats such as offal (organ meats, etc.) and veal. The researchers suggest that decreasing phosphate intake could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, very low levels of phosphate in the blood increase insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome), which can also lead to heart problems and type 2 diabetes. “These data indicate for the first time that controlling dietary phosphate intake may influence development of both atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome,” the researchers concluded.