Currently, I’m studying the literature on the relation between the PRAL value of food and how this affects cancer patients. Very interesting but what I cannot find is how the body mechanistically handles the acid base balance. I understand the role of proteins and phosphates but how can a higher intake of the three minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium lead to positive PRAL values and therefore alkalizes the body? It has to do with exchange of ions but is there a paper or book that explains the mechanism?
I'm not a biologist or biochemist and my opinion might be very naive.
The food is mostly organic material and is used by body as a source of energy. The energy is released in the oxidation reaction of food by oxygen. The product is CO2, which reacts with water to form carbonic acid, H2CO3. Then, H2CO3 dissociates into HCO3(-) and proton. The whole system works as a buffer, the pH is controlled by CO2 concentration, which is expelled from the lung. Thus pH (at least of blood) remains pretty much constant.
Dear Yurii, What you say is clear to me but that does not explain why the blood pH increases as one consumes more K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. regards Marcel
As I wrote I'm not a biologist or biochemist. I read that "the molecular mechanisms underlying the associated metabolic acidosis are incompletely understood. "
doi: 10.1681/ASN.2017111163
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