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Uric acid

Uric acid in the biochemical analysis of blood

Uric acid is the end product of the breakdown of purines (components of DNA and food). It is formed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Its level reflects the balance between synthesis and release, and deviations are associated with the risk of gout, kidney stones and other pathologies.

Norms of uric acid in the blood

CategoryReference Values (µmol/L)
Men200–420
Women140–340
Children under 14120–320
Pregnant WomenBelow normal (due to increased blood volume)

Note:

  • In men, the level is higher due to the influence of androgens and more muscle mass.
  • After 50 years, women’s indicators increase (decrease in estrogen).

The role of uric acid in the body

  1. Antioxidant: protects cells from free radicals.
  2. Blood pressure regulator: supports vascular tone in moderation.
  3. Purine Metabolism Marker: helps to diagnose gout and kidney disorders.

Deviations from the norm

1. Increased uric acid (hyperuricemia)

Reasons:

  • Gout (deposition of urate crystals in the joints).
  • Renal failure (decreased excretion).
  • Nutrition: excess meat, seafood, alcohol (especially beer).
  • Oncology and chemotherapy (massive cell breakdown).
  • Hypertension, metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms of excess:

  • Acute joint pain (usually in the big toe) is a sign of gout.
  • Kidney stones (kidney colic, blood in the urine).
  • Redness and swelling of the joints.
  • General weakness, itchy skin.

How dangerous is it?

  • Chronic gout → joint deformity.
  • Urate nephropathy → renal failure.
  • Risk of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Low uric acid (hypouricemia)

Reasons:

  • Wilson’s disease-Konovalov (violation of copper metabolism).
  • Purine deficiency in the diet (veganism, fasting).
  • Taking medications (allopurinol, estrogens).
  • Liver damage(reduced synthesis).

Symptoms of deficiency:

  • Rarely manifested clinically.
  • In severe cases:
  • Weakness, dizziness (due to reduced antioxidant protection).
  • Nervous system disorders (in Wilson’s disease).

How dangerous is it?

  • Increased risk of oxidative stress (rare).

Additional tests

To clarify the diagnosis, prescribe:

  • Urinalysis for uric acid.
  • Ultrasound of the kidneys and joints.
  • Rheumatoid factor (to exclude other arthritis).
  • Creatinine and GFR (assessment of renal function).

What should I do if there are deviations?

If uric acid is elevated:

  1. Diet:
  • Limit: red meat, offal, alcohol, carbonated drinks.
  • Add: water (2-3 liters / day), vegetables, dairy products.
  1. Medicines:
  • Allopurinol (reduces synthesis).
  • Probenecid (increases excretion).
  1. Weight and pressure monitoring.

If uric acid is low:

  • Correction of nutrition (sufficient amount of protein).
  • Treatment of the underlying disease (for example, in Wilson’s disease – zinc preparations).

Important!

  • Athletes may have higher levels due to increased ATP breakdown.
  • Asymptomatic hyperuricemia does not always require treatment.
  • Consultation with a rheumatologist or nephrologist is necessary for gout or kidney stones.

For prevention purposes:

  • Drink more water.
  • Avoid abusing alcohol and fatty foods.
  • Check your uric acid levels regularly after the age of 40.