The health-related benefits of a high consumption of fmit & vegetables on a variety of diseases, including skeletal health have been advocated by health organisations. The effect of high acidity, weight-reducing diets on bone health also remains undefined This project involved two key aspects: a population-based study and an intervention itudy. The principal aims of the population based study were to: (i) estimate the ;id/alkaline potential of the diet in a representative group of British elderly from )nal Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) datasets using several validated algorithms for calculating the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and estimated net endogenous acid production [NEAP], (ii) compare and characterise tiie aforementioned algorithms by specific nutrients/food groups likely to influence dietary acid load in tiie abovementioned population group and a representative sample of tish adults (18-64 years) using North South Ireland Food Consumption Survey (NSEFCS) datasets.