Uric acid is a natural waste product in the body. This article explains what uric acid is, its typical levels, and the health implications when levels are outside the normal range.
What Uric Acid Is
Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, compounds found in foods and produced internally. Foods rich in purines include red meat, organ meats like liver, and seafood such as anchovies and sardines. Most uric acid dissolves in the blood, travels to the kidneys, and is excreted through urine.
Approximately two-thirds of daily uric acid is generated internally, with one-third coming from dietary purines. The kidneys eliminate about 70% of this daily uric acid, while the intestines handle the rest.
Typical Uric Acid Levels
Normal uric acid levels vary depending on factors like age and sex. For adult males, a normal range is generally 3.5 to 7.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). For adult females, the normal range is lower, usually 2.6 to 6.0 mg/dL.
These ranges serve as general guidelines; individual results should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional. Factors like menopausal status can influence these levels, with postmenopausal women often having ranges similar to men.
Implications of Abnormal Uric Acid Levels
When uric acid levels are outside the normal range, it can have health consequences. High levels, known as hyperuricemia, occur when the body produces too much uric acid or does not excrete enough. This can lead to uric acid crystal formation.
These crystals can accumulate in the joints, causing gout, a painful form of arthritis characterized by inflammation and intense pain. While gout is the most common manifestation, hyperuricemia can also lead to the formation of uric acid kidney stones. These stones are mineral and salt collections that harden, causing pain and potential blockages in the urinary system. In some cases, high uric acid levels have also been associated with other conditions such as chronic kidney disease and increased cardiovascular risk.
Low uric acid levels, or hypouricemia, are less common but can also signify underlying health issues. This condition may result from certain genetic disorders that affect uric acid production or metabolism, or from kidney disorders that lead to increased excretion. While often asymptomatic, very low levels have been linked to complications like exercise-induced acute kidney injury and, in rare instances, certain neurological disorders. Therefore, monitoring uric acid levels is important for identifying potential health concerns that may require medical attention.