Effect of a low acid load (PRAL) mediterranean-style DİET on exercise performance and lactate elimination

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of a Mediterranean style diet with a negative PRAL value applied to adolescent athletes for 15 days on aerobic performance, anthropometric measurements and body composition. Another aim was to determine whether diet affects the removal of performance-related lactate accumulation during recovery. The study was conducted on professional male athletes aged 13 to 18 interested in ski-running sports. Athletes consumed a menu that provides as much energy as they need, has a negative renal acid load and adheres to the Mediterranean diet rules for 15 days. Various anthropometric measurements were taken before and after the dietary intervention, body compositions were examined, and performance measurements were made. Hand grip strength, vertical jump test, 20-meter shuttle run test, and Borg fatigue scale were used to assess performance. Lactate levels were measured before the shuttle run and every three minutes after the run for 30 minutes. Results showed that the time elapsed during the shuttle run, total distance covered during that time, the number of shuttles, and maximal oxygen consumption were increased following the diet intervention (p<0.05). Perceived fatigue scores during the shuttle run were decreased at some stages (p<0.05). Vertical jump height and hand grip strength increased after the dietary intervention (p<0.05). The athletes' body composition and the half-life of lactate during recovery after running did not change (p>0.05). While the athletes' height increased by 0.8 cm on average, their upper-middle arm circumference decreased (p<0.05). The findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet might be a practical and safe dietary approach to improving aerobic performance.