Chewing gum made with a phosphate-binding ingredient can help treat high phosphate levels in dialysis patients. A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggests this simple measure could maintain proper phosphate levels and help prevent cardiovascular disease.
 
Researchers found study participants who chewed the phosphate-binding gum decreased their salivary phosphate by 55 percent and blood phosphate by 31 percent after only two weeks using the product. Salivary phosphate returned to its original level by day 15 after discontinuing the chewing gum, while blood phosphate took 30 days to return to its original value.
 
Trials are currently being held to develop the gum and market it to the public.

This article originally appeared in the March 2009 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.