Does dietary acid load affect muscle strength and physical performance in young adult women? A single-center experience
Kübra Tel Adigüzel, Sümeyye Atasoy, Beyza Güler, Esra TürkBackground
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 (
Conclusion
A more acidic diet was positively associated with muscle strength, highlighting the potential impact of diet on muscle function.