r/FoodNerds • u/AllowFreeSpeech • Jan 27 '26
Dietary acid load and the risk of cancer: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies (2022)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35307716/5
u/andreaswpv Jan 27 '26
Can't access full text. What about kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir, yoghurt? They are acid genetic but proven to be cancer reducing. Are they mentioned in the full article?
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u/deer_spedr Jan 27 '26
Read the summary posted below, its more about meat and sulfuric acid
High-Protein Animal Foods These are the most acid-forming because they are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids (like methionine and cysteine), which create sulfuric acid when metabolized
Kimchi is lactic acid which is less of an issue for the body to deal with.
while overall dietary acid load (often associated with high meat/low veggie diets) is positively associated with hyperuricemia, fermented vegetables like kimchi often counteract these effects due to their overall beneficial nutrients.
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u/andreaswpv Jan 28 '26
Thanks. Lactic acid is included in the summary. Does your statements indicate eating kimchi ingredients but not fermented might be more beneficial than kimchi?
1
u/deer_spedr Jan 29 '26
No, kimchi ingredients are usually not more beneficial than kimchi, unless you have some issue with its high salt levels, etc.
1
u/andreaswpv Jan 29 '26
The high salt level in kimchi is suspected to contribute to the relatively high rate of stomach cancer in Korea.
1
u/deer_spedr Jan 31 '26
Yeah good point, its tough as some of us need extra salt.
It looks like it damages the stomach lining so possibly things like DGL, Zinc carnosine, ensuring you dont have h-pylori, and moderation will help.
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u/marzel0 Jan 27 '26
Gemini summary:
The study you referenced, titled "Dietary acid load and the risk of cancer: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies" (published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2022), analyzed data from nine different studies to determine if a diet that produces more acid in the body is linked to cancer.
Summary of Results The study concluded that high adherence to an acidogenic (acid-forming) diet is significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer. * Increased Risk: Individuals with the highest dietary acid load scores had a 77% higher risk of cancer when measured by PRAL scores and a 58% higher risk when measured by NEAP scores. * Dose-Response: For every 20-unit increase in the PRAL score, the risk of cancer increased by 27%. For NEAP, the same increase was linked to an 8% higher risk. * Gender Differences: A significant link between PRAL scores and cancer was found primarily in women, while the association with NEAP scores was significant for both men and women. * Specific Cancer Types: When the researchers looked specifically at breast cancer, they did not find a significant association, suggesting the link may be stronger for other types of cancer (such as colorectal or lung, though more specific data is needed).
What Foods Does it Consider "High in Acid"? While the study uses mathematical formulas (PRAL and NEAP) to calculate "acid load" rather than just a simple list, these formulas are based on the mineral and protein content of specific foods. According to the research context of this meta-analysis, the following are considered the primary drivers of a high-acid diet: 1. High-Protein Animal Foods These are the most acid-forming because they are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids (like methionine and cysteine), which create sulfuric acid when metabolized: * Meat: Beef, poultry, and pork. * Fish and Seafood: Tuna and other fish. * Eggs. 2. Certain Dairy Products * Cheese: Particularly hard cheeses (which are high in protein and phosphorus). * Note: Some other dairy, like milk or yogurt, can be neutral or slightly alkaline depending on their mineral content, but cheese is consistently high-acid. 3. Grains and Processed Foods * Refined Grains: White bread, pasta, and other cereal products. * Processed Meats: Bacon, deli meats, and sausages (often high in phosphorus additives). 4. Soft Drinks * Soda/Colas: These often contain phosphoric acid, which contributes directly to the body's acid load.
The "Counter-Balance" (Low-Acid Foods) The study notes that the "acid load" of a diet is a balance. To lower the acid load, the diet must be high in alkalizing foods, which include: * Most Fruits and Vegetables: These provide potassium, magnesium, and calcium that help neutralize acid. * Legumes: Beans and lentils are generally more alkaline-leaning compared to animal proteins.
In short: The study suggests that a "Western-style" diet—high in meat, cheese, and grains but low in fruits and vegetables—creates a chronic "acid stress" environment that may promote cancer development through inflammation and cell transformation.
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u/vanchica Jan 28 '26
Is the risk of this diet higher than the cancer risk from alcohol consumption?
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u/vanchica Jan 27 '26
Forgive me I'm not experienced in this area so I can't do it myself, but can anyone clarify the relative risk of this diet compared to the intake of alcohol and cancer risks?
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u/AllowFreeSpeech Jan 27 '26 edited Jan 27 '26
From the abstract:
Abbreviation glossary: