Acidome Calculator (Dietary Acid Load Estimate)
Use this calculator to estimate your dietary acid load using two research-based metrics: PRAL and NEAP. Enter average daily nutrient intake from your food log or nutrition app.
This is an educational estimate, not a diagnosis tool.
What Is an Acidome Calculator?
The term acidome is often used informally to describe your overall dietary acid-base profile. In practical terms, it helps you estimate whether your daily food pattern tends to produce a higher acid load or a lower acid load after metabolism.
This page uses two common nutrition research metrics:
- PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load) – estimates acid or base load based on protein and mineral intake.
- NEAP (Net Endogenous Acid Production) – estimates acid production relative to protein and potassium intake.
How the Calculator Works
1) PRAL Formula
PRAL is estimated with this equation:
PRAL = (0.49 × protein) + (0.037 × phosphorus) − (0.021 × potassium) − (0.026 × magnesium) − (0.013 × calcium)
Positive values suggest a more acid-forming diet pattern; negative values suggest a more base-forming pattern.
2) NEAP Formula
NEAP is estimated as:
NEAP = (54.5 × protein / potassium in mEq) − 10.2
Higher values generally indicate greater endogenous acid production.
How to Interpret Your Result
- Low acid load: generally more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and mineral-rich foods.
- Moderate acid load: mixed dietary pattern with room to improve produce/mineral density.
- High acid load: often associated with high protein + processed foods and lower potassium-rich plants.
The calculator also combines PRAL and NEAP into an easy Acidome Score from 0 to 100 for quick tracking over time.
Ways to Improve Your Acidome Score
Prioritize Potassium-Rich Foods
Potatoes, leafy greens, beans, bananas, squash, yogurt, and avocados can raise potassium intake and improve acid-base balance.
Keep Protein, But Improve Protein Sources
You do not need to eliminate protein. Instead, consider balancing animal proteins with legumes, tofu, tempeh, and mineral-rich sides.
Increase Calcium and Magnesium Intake
Calcium and magnesium can influence PRAL. Good options include dairy (if tolerated), fortified foods, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy vegetables.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Many highly processed foods provide calories without enough potassium and magnesium. Building meals around whole foods often improves your score naturally.
Example Use Case
Suppose someone tracks daily intake and enters:
- Protein: 95 g
- Phosphorus: 1450 mg
- Potassium: 2800 mg
- Magnesium: 280 mg
- Calcium: 700 mg
If the result shows elevated PRAL/NEAP, a practical next step could be adding 2–3 extra servings of potassium-rich produce and replacing one processed snack with nuts, fruit, or yogurt.
Important Notes and Limitations
- This tool estimates dietary acid load, not blood pH.
- It does not diagnose metabolic acidosis or kidney disease.
- Medication use, kidney function, and medical conditions can change acid-base handling.
- For medical decisions, consult a qualified clinician or registered dietitian.
FAQ
Is a lower score always better?
Not always. Extremely restrictive diets can lower acid load but reduce overall nutrition quality. Aim for a balanced, sustainable pattern.
How often should I check my score?
Weekly or biweekly is usually enough. Use trend lines, not single-day perfection, to guide changes.
Can athletes use this calculator?
Yes. Athletes often eat higher protein, so mineral-rich produce and hydration become especially important for balance.
Bottom Line
The Acidome Calculator gives you a practical snapshot of how your nutrition pattern may influence dietary acid load. Use it as a feedback tool: log your intake, calculate your result, make one small improvement, then re-check and iterate.