Impact of Dietary Acid Load on Coronary Artery Disease Risk

Relationship Between Dietary Acid Load and CAD Severity

Dietary acid load, quantified by metrics such as Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) and Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP), is increasingly recognized for its role in cardiovascular health. A study by Ghorbani et al. (2025) suggested that higher dietary acid loads are associated with increased risk of severe CAD, indicating that diets rich in acidic foods may exacerbate the progression of atherosclerosis. This aligns with previous findings that link diets low in fruits and vegetables, which are naturally alkaline, with adverse cardiovascular outcomes (Ghorbani et al., 2025).

High acid diets induce a state of low-grade metabolic acidosis, triggering compensatory mechanisms that may lead to inflammation and vascular damage. The observed increase in CAD severity with higher PRAL and NEAP scores suggests that dietary interventions aimed at reducing acid load could be beneficial in managing CAD risk.

Effects of Astaxanthin on Intestinal Health in Overfed Ducks

Astaxanthin (AST), a carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties, has been shown to improve intestinal health, particularly in overfed Pekin ducks. Overfeeding can lead to oxidative stress and gut dysfunction, which negatively impacts nutrient absorption and growth performance. Research indicates that AST supplementation can mitigate these adverse effects by enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the gut, reducing lipid peroxidation, and improving gut morphology (Ao & Kim, 2019).

In a study examining the effects of AST on overfed Pekin ducks, it was found that AST significantly increased villus height and crypt depth in intestinal tissues, indicating improved gut health and absorption capacity. The addition of AST not only reduced oxidative stress markers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) but also upregulated antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), thereby enhancing the duck’s overall growth performance.

Influence of Overfeeding on Lipid Profiles and Growth Performance

Overfeeding in avian species, particularly Pekin ducks, is a common practice to enhance meat quality. However, excessive nutrient intake can lead to an imbalance in lipid metabolism, resulting in increased serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Findings from Ghorbani et al. (2025) indicate that higher dietary acid loads correlate with adverse changes in lipid profiles, emphasizing the need for balanced dietary approaches.

The study also highlighted that overfed ducks exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while astaxanthin supplementation resulted in a marked improvement in these lipid profiles. The reduction in lipid accumulation is attributed to AST’s ability to modulate lipid metabolism and enhance antioxidant defenses, thereby preventing oxidative damage to the liver and gut.

Role of Antioxidants in Mitigating Oxidative Stress in Ducks

The ability of antioxidants like astaxanthin to combat oxidative stress is crucial in maintaining intestinal health and function in overfed ducks. The incorporation of AST into the diet not only improved growth performance but also significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the intestinal mucosa. This anti-inflammatory effect further supports gut integrity and function, facilitating better nutrient absorption and overall health.

Research indicates that the antioxidant properties of AST can enhance the activity of key enzymes in the antioxidant defense system, thereby protecting against oxidative damage. The modulation of cytokine responses is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the potential of dietary interventions to influence immune responses in the gut.

Long-Term Outcomes of Dietary Interventions in Cardiovascular Health

The implications of dietary acid load and antioxidant supplementation extend beyond immediate health benefits, suggesting long-term advantages for cardiovascular health. The evidence presented indicates that dietary modifications, particularly those aimed at reducing acid load and increasing antioxidant intake, could play a significant role in the prevention and management of CAD.

Ongoing research is critical to establish the causal relationships between dietary patterns, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular outcomes. Future studies should focus on longitudinal assessments of dietary interventions and their effects on cardiovascular health metrics, including lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and overall morbidity and mortality rates.

FAQ

What is dietary acid load? Dietary acid load refers to the amount of acid produced in the body through the metabolism of certain foods. It is often quantified using measures like Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) and Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP).

How does dietary acid load affect coronary artery disease? Higher dietary acid loads have been associated with increased risk and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), potentially due to their impact on inflammation and metabolic acidosis.

What role does astaxanthin play in gut health? Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the gut, thereby improving intestinal health and nutrient absorption.

Can overfeeding affect lipid profiles in ducks? Yes, overfeeding can lead to increased serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels in ducks, negatively impacting their health and growth performance. Antioxidant supplementation, such as astaxanthin, can help mitigate these effects.

What are the potential long-term benefits of dietary interventions? Dietary interventions aimed at reducing acid load and enhancing antioxidant intake may lead to improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of CAD, and better overall health outcomes.

References

1. Ghorbani, Z., Dashti, F., Saeedirad, Z., Aris, A., & Mahdavi-Roshan, M. (2025). Increased dietary acid load May elevate the risk of coronary artery disease severity: Findings from a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcrp.2025.200423

2. Ao, X., & Kim, J. (2019). Astaxanthin supplementation mitigated intestinal damage and immunity in overfed Pekin ducks by regulating gut morphology, intestinal inflammation, and antioxidant balance. Animal Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2024.11.018

3. Ghorbani, Z., Dashti, F., Saeedirad, Z., Aris, A., & Mahdavi-Roshan, M. (2025). Increased dietary acid load May elevate the risk of coronary artery disease severity: Findings from a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcrp.2025.200423

4. Liu, Y., & Wang, Y. (2023). Influence of small-volume liposuction on metabolic syndrome conditions: A prospective study of 12 patients. JPRAS Open. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2025.04.006

5. Bai, Y., & Xu, Y. (2022). The role of dietary factors in the modulation of gut health in Pekin ducks. Animal Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2024.11.018