Researchers at UT Southwestern found that high dietary phosphate intake elevates the bone-derived hormone FGF23, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and activates fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) in the brainstem. This central signaling drives sympathetic nervous system overactivation and exaggerated blood pressure responses during exercise. In rat models, blocking FGFR4 in the brain — but not peripherally — normalized these cardiovascular responses. The findings reveal a novel brain-mediated mechanism linking processed food phosphate additives to hypertension, with potential implications for the millions consuming phosphate-heavy diets.
