Does dietary acid load affect muscle strength and physical performance in young adult women? A single-center experience

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.