Research Article

Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study

Volume: 17 Number: 1 April 20, 2026
TR EN

Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: It was aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary acid load on depression, anxiety and stress in adults. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-one adult participants (49% male, 51% female) aged 18 years and over and without any chronic disease were included in the study. The data was collected via a questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of general information, Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety Stress (DASS)-21 Scale and 24-hour retrospective food consumption record. Potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) calculations were used to assess dietary acid load. Results: Age was significantly lower, and the ratio of single participants was significantly higher in the high PRAL and NEAP groups (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between dietary acid load and DASS-21 (p<0.05). Dietary energy, protein, vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, zinc intake and red meat consumption were significantly higher in the high PRAL and NEAP groups (p<0.05). On the contrary, dietary fiber, antioxidant, vitamin C, potassium intake and fruit consumption were significantly lower (p<0.05). While increased dietary intake of thiamine, magnesium, and iron was significantly associated with a decrease in anxiety subscale score (p<0.05); increased vegetable consumption was significantly associated with a decrease in DASS-21 scale and stress subscale scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate a relationship between dietary acid load and mental health. However, western style eating habits and reduced fruit and vegetable consumption can increase the acid load of the diet, causing health problems in the long term.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Nutrition and Dietetics (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 20, 2026

Submission Date

December 4, 2024

Acceptance Date

July 4, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: 1

APA
Atabilen Pınar, B. (2026). Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 17(1), 7-15. https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1596235
AMA
1.Atabilen Pınar B. Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026;17(1):7-15. doi:10.22312/sdusbed.1596235
Chicago
Atabilen Pınar, Büşra. 2026. “Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study”. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 (1): 7-15. https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1596235.
EndNote
Atabilen Pınar B (April 1, 2026) Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 1 7–15.
IEEE
[1]B. Atabilen Pınar, “Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study”, Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 7–15, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.22312/sdusbed.1596235.
ISNAD
Atabilen Pınar, Büşra. “Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study”. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17/1 (April 1, 2026): 7-15. https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1596235.
JAMA
1.Atabilen Pınar B. Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026;17:7–15.
MLA
Atabilen Pınar, Büşra. “Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study”. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 17, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 7-15, doi:10.22312/sdusbed.1596235.
Vancouver
1.Büşra Atabilen Pınar. Association of Dietary Acid Load and Mental Health in Adults: Pilot Study. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026 Apr. 1;17(1):7-15. doi:10.22312/sdusbed.1596235