Phosphates in Ultra-Processed Foods May Increase Blood Pressure: Study

Findings link the food additive phosphate to brain-induced hypertension in rats, sparking concerns about the health risks from processed foods for human.

New research warns that diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), such as deli meats and chips, may trigger brain activity linked to the development of high blood pressure.

According to findings published last month in the medical journal Circulation, consuming excess phosphate, a common ingredient in ultra-processed foods, activates a protein in the brain associated with hypertension.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, which could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of U.S. adults are affected by the condition.

Ultra-processed foods are often made with highly refined ingredients and chemical additives designed to mimic the taste, texture and appearance of traditional foods. However, many of the additives used to improve flavor, shelf life or texture in UPFs, such as emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, phosphates and preservatives, offer little or no nutritional value.

Over the past few years, there has been a constant flow of new information and research highlighting the serious health risks associated with frequent consumption of these products, including evidence that the foods may significantly increase the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases, particularly in children.

In the new study, researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center explored the connection between ultra-processed foods, like ice cream and soda, and the risk of high blood pressure.

The research team, led by Dr. Han Kyul Kim, measured FGF23 protein levels, blood pressure and kidney sympathetic nerve activity in rats fed a high-phosphate diet. They compared the results to rats on a low-phosphate diet.

Rats that consumed high levels of phosphate showed increased concentrations of the FGF23 protein in their blood, cerebrospinal fluid and brain stem. The elevated protein levels activated a response in the brain and sympathetic nervous system, which regulates cardiovascular function.

Researchers say this protein can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering hypertension during both rest and physical activity.

The findings are especially concerning because most adults in the U.S. and other developed countries consume far more phosphates than recommended, primarily through ultra-processed foods like snack chips and cookies. This overconsumption could place nearly every adult at risk of developing high blood pressure.

However, the researchers note that the results could also support future treatment strategies targeting the brain’s response to phosphates in ultra-processed foods.

Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits

Following a series of studies linking ultra-processed foods to chronic health conditions, a Pennsylvania man recently filed a processed foods lawsuit against several major food manufacturers.

Bryce Martinez alleges that the addictive nature of ultra-processed foods caused him to consume junk food regularly as a child, contributing to the onset of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease in adulthood.

The lawsuit names food giants Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, Mars and other major food manufacturers commonly known for making ultra-processed foods like sugary cereal, soda, packaged chips and other foods high in fat, sugar, preservatives and other additives.

The case is believed to be the first of its kind to target a wide range of ultra-processed food manufacturers, and as awareness grows about the link between these products and childhood type II diabetes, additional claims are expected to follow.

Ultra-processed food lawyers are continuing to review new cases for children and young adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease after regularly consuming ultra-processed foods throughout their childhood.