Fizzy drinks and processed foods linked to premature ageing
Fizzy drinks and processed foods containing high levels of phosphate could speed up the ageing process, a new report has warned.
By Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent
Published: 5:30PM BST 27 Apr 2010
Research shows that high levels of phosphate in sodas and processed foods accelerate the ageing process in mice and contribute to age-associated complications such as chronic kidney disease.
"Avoid phosphate toxicity and enjoy a healthy life," one expert has advised.
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The study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal shows that high levels of phosphates may add more than just flavour to sodas and processed foods.
Phosphates are used in drinks to react with sodium bicarbonate and release carbon dioxide or fizz. They are used as a preservatives and flavour and appearance enhancers in processed meats, cheese and bread products.
That’s because researchers found that the high levels of phosphates accelerate signs of ageing. High phosphate levels may also increase the prevalence and severity of age-related complications, such as chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular calcification, and can also induce severe muscle and skin atrophy.
"Humans need a healthy diet and keeping the balance of phosphate in the diet may be important for a healthy life and longevity," said Mohammed Razzaque, from the Department of Medicine, Infection and Immunity at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
"Avoid phosphate toxicity and enjoy a healthy life."
To make this discovery, Mr Razzaque and colleagues examined the effects of high phosphate levels in three groups of mice. The first group of mice was missing a gene (klotho), which when absent, causes mice to have toxic levels of phosphate in their bodies. These mice lived 8 to 15 weeks.
The second group of mice was missing the klotho gene and a second gene (NaPi2a), which when absent at the same time, substantially lowered the amount of phosphate in their bodies. These mice lived to 20 weeks.
The third group of mice was like the second group (missing both the klotho and NaPi2a genes), except they were fed a high-phosphate diet. All of these mice died by 15 weeks, like those in the first group.
This suggests that phosphate has toxic effects in mice, and may have a similar effect in other mammals, including humans.
"Soda is the caffeine delivery vehicle of choice for millions of people worldwide, but comes with phosphorous as a passenger" said Gerald Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal. "This research suggests that our phosphorous balance influences the ageing process, so don’t tip it (the balance)."
Dental research team find connection between junk food and premature ageing
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