An acidogenic diet, by disrupting the blood pH equilibrium, can contribute to metabolic acidosis and lead to inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that dietary acid load (DAL) increases disease activity and inflammation in PsA patients.
This study was conducted with 58 obese/overweight patients, aged 20-65 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-consecutive-day 24-hour recall. The DAL was evaluated through the PRAL (potential renal acid load) and NEAP (net endogenous acid production) and divided into the low and high groups by their median values. The disease activity assessments, anthropometric measurements, dietary data and blood parameters of patients were recorded and compared at the low and high DAL groups.
We observed that patients in the high NEAP and PRAL groups had worse PsA pattern scores (p<0.05). Also, PRAL and NEAP scores were positively associated with DAPSA, HAQ, and PSAID-12 scores. After adjusting age, sex, smoking, and BMI, 1 mEq increase in PRAL and NEAP was associated with an elevation of DAPSA (0.506 and 0.486 points, respectively).
These results showed a close relationship between DAL and PsA symptoms. An acidogenic diet may negatively affect PsA prognosis. Healthy eating recommendations should be part of the management of the disease.
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