Uric Acid

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism (from dietary purines and cellular DNA/RNA turnover). It is filtered by the kidneys, with most being reabsorbed and only about 10% excreted. Uric acid has both antioxidant properties (in blood) and pro-inflammatory properties (when crystallized in joints or deposited in kidneys).

What might a high or low Uric Acid mean?

Hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid) is best known for causing gout, but it is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension. The relationship with metabolic syndrome is bidirectional — insulin resistance reduces renal uric acid excretion, and high uric acid worsens insulin resistance.

What is the typical reference range for Uric Acid?

The general-population reference range shown here is 208 – 428 umol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Uric Acid?

It may be higher with: Purine-rich foods (organ meats, shellfish, red meat), Alcohol (especially beer — contains purines), Fructose and sugar-sweetened beverages, Obesity and insulin resistance, Chronic kidney disease (reduced excretion), Diuretics (thiazides, furosemide), Cell turnover (psoriasis, chemotherapy — tumor lysis), Genetic factors. It may be lower with: Reducing purine-rich foods, Limiting alcohol (especially beer), Reducing fructose intake, Weight loss, Allopurinol/febuxostat (xanthine oxidase inhibitors), Vitamin C (500-1000mg/day — modest uricosuric effect), Coffee (lowers uric acid), Cherry extract.