Does Drinking Soft Drinks Increase the Risk of Skin Cancer?

Drinking soft drinks is not only unhealthy because of the high fructose corn syrup they contain - but their high phosphate content is also a problem. According to a new study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, too many dietary phosphates cause skin cancers to grow faster - and soft drinks are one of the biggest sources of phosphates in the American diet.

Dietary Phosphates and Skin Cancer: Is It a Problem?

In this study mice were given either a high or low phosphate diet after having a cancer causing chemical applied to their skin. Researchers found that the mice that ate the high phosphate diet developed more pre-cancerous tumors than the mice on a diet low in phosphates. The mice that ate the high phosphate diet took in around 1,800 milligrams of phosphate a day -an amount thats only a little more than the amount the average American gets in their diet each day -particularly if they drink soft drinks.

What are Good Sources of Dietary Phosphates?

Phosphates are found in many foods - in the form of phosphorus - with meat and dairy being good sources - and phosphates are added to many processed meats and baked goods. Theyre also found in some personal care products such as toothpaste. One of the biggest sources of dietary phosphates comes from drinking soft drinks. Soft drink consumption has tripled since the 1970s, so its not surprising that people are getting more phosphates than ever before.

Phosphorus is an important mineral thats vital for making ATP - the bodys energy source - and is a component of cell membranes. Its also involved in a variety of other reactions in the body. On the other hand, too many dietary phosphates increase the risk of osteoporosis by lowering calcium levels. Now, it appears that phosphates could also fuel the growth of skin cancer.

Can Drinking Soft Drinks Lead to Other Cancers?

The researchers in this study are quick to add that lowering dietary phosphates may reduce the risk of skin cancer - but that may not be the only cancer thats affected by phosphates. Korean researchers found that phosphates also increase the growth rate of lung tumors in mice.

How to Lower Dietary Phosphates

One of the best ways to reduce dietary phosphates is to stop drinking soft drinks. Soft drinks have no nutritional value and are bad for the bones as well as the waistline. Eating less processed and packaged foods will also help to reduce exposure to phosphates.

The Bottom Line?

Phosphorus is important for a healthy body, but too much dietary phosphate could pose a problem. The best solution? Lay off the soft drinks.

References:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100323111557.htm