Impact of nutrition on acid-base status

Diet and certain nutritional factors are known to have a clear impact on acid-base status of the organism. A diet-related high acid load, e.g. by a persistently increased consumption of dietary animal protein at the expense of alkaline substances abundantly present in plants, may, in case renal acid excretion capacity is nearly exhausted, lead to a usually slight decrease in serum bicarbonate levels and a reduction in urinary pH. This low-grade metabolic acidosis may affect bone substance and promote calcium oxalate and uric acid stone disease. Adequate intake of fruits, vegetables and suitable beverages should be recommended to ensure an adequate dietary base supply.