Uric Acid (UA) is most well known to cause gout and kidney stones.  Research has also shown it to contribute significantly to much more serious health conditions.  UA is derived from fructose and purines found in high amounts in some proteins and alcohol.  It is an antioxidant in the blood, but inside cells it causes damage by creating free radical molecules.  Do test it on your next labs.

High Uric Acid Levels and Health Risks

  • Cardiovascular Disease Risk increased by oxidation of LDL cholesterol, upregulation of inflammatory C-reactive protein, and inhibition of blood pressure reducing nitric oxide. In women, the risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease increased 70% with elevated uric acid levels.
  • Hypertension: A recent study of teens with high blood pressure found that 89% of them had high serum UA levels.
  • Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: UA increased fat deposition in the liver.
  • Chronic Kidney Disease: Studies have found that UA levels in people with healthy kidney function predicts the eventual development of kidney disease.
  • Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: Compromises insulin delivery to the cells and damages the pancreatic β-cells which create, store and release insulin.
  • Sperm quality, production, and motility decreased.
  • Increased Obesity: Stimulates triglyceride production and fat storage.

What Elevates Uric Acid

  • Alcohol: Liquor and particularly beer contain high amounts of purines.
  • Dehydration: Since the kidneys filter out 75% of the UA, dehydration can increase blood levels.
  • Fructose metabolism produces UA. Fructose is found in sugar-sweetened beverages, table sugar, fruits and more so in fruit juices.
  • High Purine meats such as organ meats, some fish and shellfish.
  • Lifestyle Issues like stress, lack of sleep, and weight gain can contribute.

What Lowers Uric Acid Levels

  • Quercetin neutralizes UA induced free radicals and UA formation.
  • Luteolin inhibits the UA creating enzyme and protected pancreatic β-cells from UA induced damage and cell death while also increasing insulin secretion.
  • Vitamin C at doses of 500 mg/day lowered serum UA possibly by increasing the filtering rate of the kidneys and by competing against UA for reabsorption in the kidneys.
  • Tart Cherry Juice: 8 oz per day reduced serum UA by 19.2%. Low sugar extract capsules showed longest benefit.
  • Vitamin D deficiency was linked to significantly higher UA and supplementation reduced UA in prediabetic subjects.
  • Zinc: low dietary intake was associated with high UA in males.
References available upon request.  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Research, nutritional information and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program.

 

X