Association of Dietary Acid Load with Insulin Sensitivity Index among Apparently Healthy Nigerians

Abstract

The possible role of regular consumption of diets with high acid forming potential in decreasing cellular sensitivity to insulin and its associated complications has been investigated. However, findings across different study groups are conflicting. It is likely that the association is affected by genetic and environmental factors that differ among different populations. We investigated the impact of diet-induced acidosis on the degree of insulin sensitivity among apparently healthy adult Nigerians. Assessment of dietary intake was done using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the Nigerian Food Composition Table. Acid forming potential of our local diets were estimated as Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) scores. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin were measured. Degree of insulin sensitivity was calculated as Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI). About 35 (16.2%) of the study subjects were observed to have insulin resistance. Across the study groups, there was a statistically significant trend with higher intake of dietary acid associated with decreased insulin sensitivity (p for trend < 0.05). We conclude that among apparently healthy adult subjects in this study, regular consumption of diets with high acid forming potential might be linked with worsening of insulin sensitivity.