Association Between Dietary Acid Load and Excess Weight in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Metabolic Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Dietary acid load (DAL) impacts the body's acid-base balance and is associated with metabolic disorders.
• The link between DAL and excess weight (EW), particularly in Chinese populations, requires further investigation.
• Understanding this association is vital for developing targeted nutritional interventions against obesity in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between dietary acid load (DAL) and excess weight (EW) in Chinese adults.
• To explore the dose-response relationship and identify subgroups with stronger associations.
• To provide evidence for dietary strategies aimed at obesity prevention.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 7758 adults from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS).
• Dietary intake assessed via 24-hour recalls; DAL calculated using potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP).
• Multivariable logistic regression, subgroup analyses, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed.

Main Results:

• A higher DAL was significantly associated with an increased risk of EW.
• The highest tertile of DAL showed a 27% increased risk (PRAL) and 14% (NEAP) compared to the lowest.
• The association was more pronounced in men, individuals under 60, and those without comorbidities; a linear dose-response was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates a significant dose-response relationship between higher DAL and increased EW risk in Chinese adults.
• Diets lower in acid load, rich in fruits and vegetables, may be a key strategy for managing the obesity epidemic.
• Findings support public health initiatives promoting acid-reducing dietary patterns for weight management.