Chronic High Phosphate Intake in Mice Affects Macronutrient Utilization and Body Composition.

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Metabolic Research
• Animal Models

Background:

• Increased dietary phosphate intake is linked to ultra-processed food consumption.
• Elevated phosphate intake impacts body composition and overall health.
• Previous research suggests high phosphate diets may affect bone health due to acid load.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a high phosphate diet on energy metabolism parameters.
• To assess the impact of chronic high phosphate consumption on body composition and metabolic markers in mice.

Main Methods:

• Mature adult mice (males and females, two genetic backgrounds) were fed standard or high phosphate diets for 4 or 12 months.
• Evaluated body weight gain, respiratory exchange ratio, body composition (fat mass, lean mass).
• Assessed fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance tests, blood lipids, and 1-methylhistidine levels.

Main Results:

• High phosphate diet attenuated body weight gain and decreased body fat mass.
• Mice on high phosphate diet exhibited a lower respiratory exchange ratio and increased lean-to-fat mass ratio.
• Fasting hypoglycemia was observed, but oral glucose tolerance remained unaffected. Blood lipids were similar, while 1-methylhistidine levels decreased.

Conclusions:

• Chronic high phosphate intake attenuates body weight gain and alters body composition.
• High phosphate diets induce fasting hypoglycemia and may negatively impact muscle homeostasis.
• These findings highlight potential metabolic consequences of increased dietary phosphate.