Association between dietary acid load and cancer: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Summary: Background & Aims: Epidemiological studies have indicated a potential association between dietary acid load (DAL) and the risk and prognosis of cancer; however, the evidence needs more research. Hence, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively investigate the relationship between DAL and risk for different types of cancer. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to November 2023. We calculated pooled odds risks (ORs) with 95% CIs using a random-effects model. We also conducted analyses on publication bias, subgroups, and sensitivity. This systematic review and meta-analysis included fifteen case-control studies. Results: The pooled OR showed a statistically significant association between potential renal acid load (PRAL) (OR: 2.73, 95%CI: 2.62–2.83, P: