Uric acid is a naturally occurring waste product in the body, formed during the breakdown of certain substances. It circulates in the blood and is primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys in urine. Maintaining appropriate levels of uric acid is important for overall health.
What Uric Acid Is
Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism. Purines are chemical compounds found in the body’s cells and in many foods. As cells break down and purines are digested, uric acid is produced. While primarily a waste product, uric acid can also function as an antioxidant in the blood when present in normal concentrations.
Defining Normal Levels
Normal uric acid levels vary between individuals. For adult males, a normal serum uric acid level is generally between 3.5 to 7.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). For adult females, the normal range is 2.6 to 6.0 mg/dL. Premenopausal women often have lower levels, with values increasing after menopause to approximate those of men. Maintaining uric acid within these ranges is important for health.
Factors Influencing Uric Acid Levels
Several factors can influence uric acid levels, leading them to be higher or lower than the typical range. Dietary choices play a significant role, particularly the consumption of purine-rich foods such as red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood. Beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup can also increase uric acid production. Alcohol, especially beer, can raise uric acid levels by both containing purines and hindering the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid.
Certain medications, including diuretics and low-dose aspirin, can increase uric acid levels. Genetic predispositions also influence uric acid metabolism and excretion. Health conditions such as kidney disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and uncontrolled high blood pressure can impact how the body produces or eliminates uric acid. Rapid cell turnover, which can occur with certain cancers or during chemotherapy, may also lead to elevated uric acid levels.
Health Implications of Imbalanced Levels
When uric acid levels are too high, known as hyperuricemia, it can lead to several health complications. The most recognized is gout, a painful form of arthritis caused by the formation of needle-shaped uric acid crystals in joints. High uric acid can also contribute to the formation of uric acid kidney stones. Persistent elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that heighten the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Levels that are too low, known as hypouricemia, are less common but can also have implications. While high levels are of greater public health concern, low uric acid has been linked to certain neurological conditions. Uric acid acts as an antioxidant, and reduced levels might diminish the body’s ability to scavenge free radicals, increasing oxidative stress. Studies link low uric acid to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Testing and Monitoring
Uric acid levels are measured through a blood test. A 24-hour urine collection may also be used to assess uric acid excretion. A doctor might recommend a uric acid test if a person experiences symptoms suggestive of gout, such as sudden joint pain and swelling, or if they have a history of kidney stones. Testing is also important for individuals undergoing certain cancer treatments, as rapid cell breakdown can cause uric acid levels to rise. Regular monitoring helps manage conditions associated with abnormal uric acid.