Nutrient Intake and Dietary Acid Load of Special Diets in the NHANES: A Descriptive Analysis (2009–2018)

Maximilian Andreas Storz, Alexander Müller and Alvaro Luis Ronco
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Maximilian Andreas Storz: Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
Alexander Müller: Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Complementary Medicine, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
Alvaro Luis Ronco: Unit of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Pereira Rossell Women’s Hospital, Bvard. Artigas 1590, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: Western diets are characterized by a high dietary acid load (DAL), which has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including type-2-diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Effective dietary strategies to lower DAL are urgently warranted. Plant-based diets (PBD), including vegetarian and vegan diets, are an effective measure to reduce DAL. Notably, not every individual wishes to adopt a PBD. Instead, many people rely on special diets promising comparable health benefits. The effects of those diets on DAL have rarely been investigated. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, we aimed to quantify DAL and nutrient intake in the most popular special diets in the United States, including weight-loss, low fat, low salt, low sugar, and diabetic diets. Our analysis included 3552 individuals on a special diet. The most popular diets were the weight-loss diet ( n = 1886 individuals) and the diabetic diet ( n = 728). Energy intake was below 2000 kcal/d for all diets; however, there were no statistically significant intergroup differences. DAL scores were positive for all special diets (>9 mEq/d), suggesting acidifying properties. Acid load scores of special diets did not differ significantly and were comparable to a standard Western diet. None of the examined diets was associated with alkaline properties.

Keywords: dietary acid load; PRAL; NEAP; plant-based; special diet; diabetic; weight-loss; low-fat (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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