High Dietary Phosphate Impairs Exercise Capacity Independent of Cardiac Function

Abstract

This poster presents findings from previously published work conducted in the Baskin Lab investigating the metabolic effects of elevated dietary phosphate. Elevated dietary phosphate intake has increased substantially in modern diets due to the widespread use of phosphate additives in processed foods. While phosphate has traditionally been studied in the context of bone and kidney physiology, emerging evidence suggests that excess phosphate may influence metabolic and cardiovascular health. This project examined whether high dietary phosphate impairs exercise capacity independent of cardiac dysfunction. Using data from the Dallas Heart Study, circulating phosphate concentrations were analyzed in relation to physical activity patterns. Higher serum phosphate levels were associated with reduced moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and increased sedentary time. To investigate potential mechanisms, controlled dietary studies were conducted in mouse models. Mice fed a high-phosphate diet demonstrated significantly reduced treadmill endurance and decreased oxygen consumption during exercise testing compared to mice fed normal phosphate diets. Further metabolic analysis suggested that elevated phosphate alters skeletal muscle substrate utilization, shifting metabolism away from fatty acid oxidation toward increased carbohydrate reliance. Importantly, these changes occurred without measurable impairments in cardiac function, indicating that skeletal muscle metabolic pathways may play a key role in phosphate-mediated reductions in exercise capacity. These findings highlight dietary phosphate as a potential environmental factor influencing exercise performance and metabolic health. Understanding how phosphate intake alters metabolic pathways may inform future strategies aimed at improving metabolic function and preventing chronic disease associated with modern dietary patterns.