Age and physical activity have profound effects on the accrual and retention of lean body tissues, but a range of nutritional factors can influence this process. Inadequate protein and energy intake can lead to malnutrition and wasting of muscle reserves.
In healthy populations, other nutritional influences may impart significant differences in the relative amounts of lean tissues. One factor that appears to be a significant contributor is the acidotic and alkaline effects of foods.
It has been well documented that renal populations with acidosis suffer increased catabolism of muscle stores, and this acidosis can be influenced by a diet that contains a higher potential renal acid load (PRAL). The PRAL is a calculation that takes into account the intake of protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium and estimates the mEq acid load that the body incurs.
Protein intake increases the PRAL primarily through the acidogenic effect induced by the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. Phosphorus also contributes to an increased PRAL. The potassium, calcium, and magnesium cations are often bound to alkaline-inducing anions such as citrate and bicarbonate, which decrease the PRAL. Fruits and vegetables are the highest sources of these cations, whereas animal products and cereals contribute to the acidogenic factors.
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