Phosphorous in sodas and processed foods accelerates signs of aging say Harvard scientists

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-04/foas-pis042610.php

Public release date: 26-Apr-2010

Contact: Cody Mooneyhan
[e-mail]
301-634-7104
http://www.faseb.org/">Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Phosphorous in sodas and processed foods accelerates signs of aging say Harvard scientists

New research in the FASEB Journal shows that high levels of phosphate in sodas and processed foods accelerate the aging process in mice and contribute to age-associated complications such as chronic kidney disease

Here's another reason to kick the soda habit. New research published online in the FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org) shows that high levels of phosphates may add more "pop" to sodas and processed foods than once thought. That's because researchers found that the high levels of phosphates accelerate signs of aging. 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 M. Shawkat Razzaque, M.D., Ph.D., 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, Razzaque and colleague 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, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal. "This research suggests that our phosphorous balance influences the aging process, so don't tip it."

###...

[Warpy]

1. Good thing I make my own

with a CO2 setup. That means they're much less gassy than commercial sodas with phosphates, but I'll probably live healthier as a result.

[rfranklin]

2. Much better to drink beer...

I gave up soda for beer and I feel much, much better.

[Warpy]

5. I remember some supermodel back in the 70s

saying that the few times a month she drank anything besides water, she'd drink a beer--same calories as a can of soda, tasted better, and gave her a little lift.

If only I weren't allergic to alcohol, I'd join the two of you.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

10. Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh, a fate worse than death!

Allergic to alcohol??? I think I'd die (and I only drink alcoholic beverages a couple of times a year).

[Warpy]

11. It triggers instant migraine

you learn how to live without it FAST.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

12. Ouch!

I suffer from migraines, so I feel your pain. I'd probably never drink alcohol ever again if it gave me migraines.

[damntexdem]

3. Lemon phosphate, anyone?

Forget the 'soda' part and go right for the phosphorous. ;-)

[BlueJazz]

4. Sounds like pile of Hogwash. I drink a lot of Coke and Pepsi and it hasn't affected me.

At 27, I feel just fine.
.
.
.
.
.

[cutlassmama]

6. Now I'm glad I quit sodas a couple of years ago!

[kimmerspixelated]

7. Sodas leach onto whatever vitamins and minerals are circulating

in your bloodstream and carry them out. SO, it's not just bad for you, it tears down any other good signs of health in your bloodstream. People that take vits and then drink a coke or something, are literally throwing their money away.

[Codeine]

8. Link?

Evidence?

[EvolveOrConvolve]

9. Where did you get that information from?

I think that soda pop is bad, but not because it messes with my "vitamins and minerals are circulating" through my body but because it has a bunch of sugar in it.

Do you have a source for your claim?

[MorningGlow]

13. The editor in me emerges

It's phosphorus. No "ou". Phosphorous is the adjective.

Forgive. I'm on a grammar rant today. :rant:

[Orrex]

14. Correction: that should be "grammour"

:hide:

[charlie]

15. The stuff is becoming too dear to waste on that crap, anyway

...Our dwindling supply of phosphorus, a primary component underlying the growth of global agricultural production, threatens to disrupt food security across the planet during the coming century. This is the gravest natural resource shortage you've never heard of.
...

Our supply of mined phosphorus is running out. Many mines used to meet this growing demand are degrading, as they are increasingly forced to access deeper layers and extract a lower quality of phosphate-bearing rock (phosphate is the chemical form in which nearly all phosphorus is found). Some initial analyses from scientists with the Global Phosphorus Research Initiative estimate that there will not be sufficient phosphorus supplies from mining to meet agricultural demand within 30 to 40 years. Although more research is clearly needed, this is not a comforting time scale.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/20/peak_phosphorus