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Metabolic Acid Load

Meaning

Metabolic Acid Load refers to the net quantity of non-volatile acid precursors generated from the dietary intake and endogenous metabolism that must be neutralized and excreted by the body to maintain systemic pH homeostasis. The standard Western diet, rich in animal protein and grains, typically results in a positive acid load, which the body’s buffer systems, particularly bicarbonate and bone minerals, must manage. Chronic exposure to a high metabolic acid load can induce a state of low-grade metabolic acidosis, potentially contributing to bone demineralization, muscle wasting, and impaired endocrine function, including cortisol and growth hormone axis regulation. This measure is a critical indicator of the long-term impact of dietary patterns on physiological balance.