Background – Increased net acid excretion has been found to negatively affect bone mass in children and women and may have an impact on other indicators of health such as blood pressure.
Objective – To determine the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net acid excretion (NAE) levels derived from dietary assessment in community dwelling adult men and women following a variety of different diets.
Design – PRAL and NAE (mEq/d) were calculated from 24-hour recall data (1-3 days) in subjects (mean age 54 (10) SD years), on a range of diets (>4 weeks): low vegetable (veg), dairy; low fat, high CHO, energy deficit (LFHCHOEND); Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, energy deficit (DASHEND); low sodium (Na), high potassium (K); DASH.
Outcomes – The usual Australian diet and low fruit and vegetable diet had the highest acid load. Diets with increased fruit and vegetables reduced acid load. PRAL on DASHEND was lower (-9 mEq/d, P=0.03) than the DASH diet.
Conclusion – Diets higher in fruit and vegetables reduce the acid load for a similar intake of protein. Diets with a similar dietary pattern but designed for energy deficit also reduced acid load. This reduction in acid load may account for some of the favourable effects on bone of these dietary patterns.