Chewing gum made with a phosphate-binding ingredient can help treat high phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) in dialysis patients.  Hyperphosphatemia is common among dialysis patients.  Phosphate levels are often difficult to reduce to recommended levels.
 
Dr. Vincenzo Savica and Dr. Lorenzo Calo recruited dialysis patients with high blood phosphate levels and had them chew phosphate-binding gum twice daily for two weeks, while still keeping with their prescribed phosphate-binding regimen.  Researchers found blood phosphate levels decreased by 31 percent after two weeks and took 30 days to return to their original level.  Researchers believe combining this regimen with traditional phosphate binders could improve treatment of hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients. 

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