Macro partitioning
Higher dietary acid load (indicated by PRAL, NEAP, and DAL) is positively associated with greater muscle strength in Iranian adults, primarily mediated by higher protein and meat intake.
If you want to increase muscle strength, focus on consuming adequate protein, particularly from animal sources like meat, dairy, and eggs. These foods naturally create a higher dietary acid load, which this study correlates with better strength. Do not restrict these foods in an attempt to 'alkalize' your diet if your goal is muscle gain.
we found a significant positive association between a higher dietary acid loads and greater muscle strength... In our study, the intake of meat increased across tertiles of PRAL, NEAP, and DAL. Red meat is a high-quality source of protein... to promote the synthesis of skeletal muscle proteins, and to preserve skeletal muscle mass
Why this rating
Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference; associations attenuated after adjusting for confounders.
Source
The association between dietary acid load and muscle strength among Iranian adults
Saba Mohammadpour et al. · BMC Research Notes · 2020
DOI 10.1186/s13104-020-05309-6
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