Dietary acid load was positively associated with handgrip strength after adjusting for energy intake (p=0.043), but showed no significant correlation with 10-step stair test performance.
Cross-Sectional (n=151)
No
Does dietary acid load affect muscle strength and physical performance in healthy young adult women?
A more acidic diet was positively associated with muscle strength in healthy young women after adjusting for energy intake.
p-value: p=0.043
Background Muscle strength is a key determinant of functional capacity and quality of life, influenced by various modifiable factors including nutrition. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between dietary acid load and musculoskeletal health, but its relationship with muscle strength and performance, especially in young healthy individuals, has not been fully clarified. Aim This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary acid load, muscle strength, and physical performance in healthy young women. Methods A total of 151 women aged 18–35 years were recruited through convenience sampling from a university campus, excluding those with chronic diseases, physical disabilities, regular exercise habits, or special diets. Handgrip strength was measured using a dynamometer, and functional performance was assessed with a 10-step stair test. A 24-h dietary record was used to calculate the potential renal acid load (PRAL). Results Participants had a mean age of 22.5 ± 1.6 years. The average handgrip strength was 25.3 ± 4.8 kg, and the 10-step test times were 5.6 ± 0.9 s. The mean PRAL was 5.0 ± 14.1 mEq/day. There were no significant differences in handgrip strength or 10-step test results across PRAL tertiles ( p > 0.05). While no significant correlation was found between PRAL and handgrip strength in the crude model ( p = 0.115), a positive association appeared after adjusting for energy intake ( p = 0.043). No significant correlation was found between PRAL and 10-step test results ( p > 0.05). Conclusion A more acidic diet was positively associated with muscle strength, highlighting the potential impact of diet on muscle function.
Adıgüzel et al. (Wed,) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy (n=151). Dietary acid load (PRAL) vs. Lower dietary acid load was evaluated on Handgrip strength and 10-step stair test performance (p=0.043). Dietary acid load was positively associated with handgrip strength after adjusting for energy intake (p=0.043), but showed no significant correlation with 10-step stair test performance.