The relationship between dietary acid load and intensity of musculoskeletal pain condition: A population-based study

Pain is a globally prevalent problem, and a comprehension of its pathophysiology is important with respect to patient's health. Musculoskeletal pain conditions (MPs) may be associated with physical, lifestyle, and nutrition status, while dietary acid load (DAL) may be inversely associated with musculoskeletal health in adults. This cross-sectional study consisted of 175 adults experiencing pain. Anthropometric measurements, physical activity (PA), and pain intensity were assessed via specific questionnaires. Dietary data were collected using a 7-day 24-h recall. Foods and beverages were analyzed with Nutritionist IV software for extracting the total energy and nutrients. Net endogenous acid production (NEAP) and potential renal acid load (PRAL) were evaluated for assessing the DAL. Linear regression and Spearman correlation were used to investigate the association of exposure and input variables. Linear regression showed a positive relationship between PRAL and NEAP and pain intensity in the crude model. This significant positive relationship remained after adjusting for all confounders. A lower consumption of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B9 and C, and fiber was seen in the following quartiles of PRAL and NEAP. In addition, MPs intensity and PRAL and NEAP had a weak, positive correlation. This study suggests that a higher DAL may be associated with MPs. However, further research is needed.