The Impact of Phosphorus on Carbohydrate Metabolism and Core Body Temperature

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of obesity has coincided with a shift towards diets high in refined, nutrient-poor carbohydrates that are low in Phosphorus (P). Previous studies demonstrated that P attenuates postprandial glycemia and suppressed appetite in healthy individuals. Glucose dips were also reported to influence food intake. In addition to that, the thermostatic theory suggests that heat generated from ATP hydrolysis modulates food intake. Thus, this study was devised to investigate the impact of P on postprandial glucose dynamics, core body temperature (CBT) and appetite, while concurrently exploring the potential correlation among these variables. A single-blinded crossover study was conducted over 10 days with a two-day washout period between the different treatments (P and placebo). Overnight fasted healthy subjects (n=16) were asked to consume a 600-kcal low P meal, along with either P (600mg) or placebo tablets in a random order. Blood glucose was monitored using the continuous glucose monitoring Dexcom G6 system, CBT was monitored using the research CORE Greenteg device and subjective appetite scores were assessed using validated visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires for 2 hours post-meal ingestion.

Phosphorus ingestion significantly decreased post-prandial (0-90min) blood glucose levels (p<0.008) and significantly increased AUC CBT (0-90min) (p<0.05). This was paralleled by a decline in appetite scores. Furthermore, a significant correlation between changes in CBT and satiety was observed in the placebo group (r=0.309, p<0.000) and this correlation persisted in the meal containing P (r=0.336, p<0.000), in addition to a significant association observed between glucose and appetite scores in the P group.

Our findings suggest a possible role of P ingestion in decreasing food intake partially by increasing CBT. This study also confirms the role of P in reducing postprandial glycemia, thereby potentially contributing to the prevention and the management of obesity.