Dietary Acid Load Is Associated with MetS-Related Parameters after Eating Habit Modification in Korean Adults

This study examined the association between dietary acid load (DAL) and metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related parameters in Korean adults undergoing eating habit modi-fication. Methods: Forty-eight Korean adults (≥19 years) with at least one MetS risk factor were recruited via public advertisement. Anthropometric and biochemical pa-rameters, Nutrition Quotient (NQ) scores, and nutrient intake were assessed. DAL was calculated and expressed as potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). Results: A total of 40 participants completed the 8-week interven-tion. After the intervention, overall improvements were observed in NQ, body compo-sition (body weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage), blood pressure, and glycemic parameters. At baseline, DAL scores were not significantly associated with body composition or glycemic indices. After the intervention, however, these parame-ters showed significant associations with DAL, which were more pronounced when DAL was expressed as NEAP rather than PRAL. Conclusion: Eating habit modification may alter DAL in daily life and is associated with meaningful changes in body compo-sition and other metabolic parameters among Korean adults. NEAP appears to be a more relevant indicator of DAL than PRAL.