[Variations of the urinary pH values in a population of 13.000 patients addressing to the National Health System]

The regulation of the intra and extracellular pH-values plays an essential role in the metabolism of the human body. Whereas metabolic or respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, which include a deviation from the regular blood pH-range of 7.36 to 7.44, are life-threatening conditions, the so-called latent acidosis is a subclinical condition that is caused mainly by high protein intake. The pathobiochemical effects of chronic latent acidosis can be osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, gout or restricted renal function. Recent data show that a high protein diet poor in alkaline elements (fruits and vegetables) is often associated to a low urine pH, which can lead to osteoporosis.

In order to assess the potential relation between nutrition, urine pH and risk of osteoporosis, we examined the urine pH values related to patients of different age groups during an epidemiologic study which involved 12.086 patients, who had been screened by the Italian National Health Care System (ASL Cremona) in 2007. All patients, male and female, have been divided into three groups: Group 1: 10-44 years of age; Group 2: 45-64 years of age; Group 3: 65-80 years of age.

The statistic study showed very important figures which indicate a significant difference between males and females in the second group. The mean value of urine pH was 6.03 in the first female group, vs. 5.79 in the second female group (P<0.001). It has also been observed that the pH values in the first female group were more alkaline than the mean value in the first male group (men usually eat foods rich in proteins and acidifiers). Women belonging to the second group (pH 5.79) show significantly lower values of urine pH, if compared to the second male group (pH 5.88). Since there weren't any significant differences among the three male groups, the figures suggest an important relation between urine pH and endocrine alteration.

Since the female second group includes the menopausal period, it is reasonable to consider the oestrogen deficiency as responsible for the drastic decrease in the urine pH values, and, particularly for these groups of women, a nutrition intervention with alkalizing nutrients (fruits and vegetables) or with alkalizing food supplements is necessary.