Urinary Potential Renal Acid Load (uPRAL) among Vegans Versus Omnivores and Its Association with Bone Health in the Cross-Sectional Risks and Benefits of a Vegan Diet Study

Abstract

Both veganism and high dietary acid load are linked to unfavorable bone health. However, the specific role of dietary alkali or acid load for the bone health of vegans is so far unknown. Thus, the renal biomarker for dietary acid or alkali load, i.e., urinary potential renal acid load (uPRAL), was measured in 24 h urine samples of 34 vegans and 35 omnivores (50.7% males). Bone health was assessed via calcaneal quantitative ultrasound. Associations between uPRAL and bone health indices were examined using multivariable general linear models. Compared to omnivores, vegans had a significantly lower uPRAL (mean difference = −34.5 mEq/24 h, p < 0.0001), a lower 24 h urinary phosphate excretion (p = 0.0004), a lower 24 h urinary sulfate excretion (p = 0.01), and a higher urine pH value (p < 0.0001). Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) was lower among vegans versus omnivores (p = 0.037), yet it was not associated with uPRAL irrespective of adjustments. This study confirms different acid-base profiles of vegans and omnivores, with a pronounced alkaline excess among vegans and a rather low acid load among a group of omnivores with moderate protein intake. Within this spectrum of alkaline to low acid load, no association with bone health was found.