Uric Acid
End product of purine metabolism – marker for gout risk and metabolic syndrome
Also known as
Definition
Uric acid is the end product of purine breakdown in humans (lacking the uricase enzyme found in other mammals). It is produced mainly from endogenous purine metabolism (cell nucleus breakdown) and from dietary purines (red meat, organ meats, beer, fructose). Elevated uric acid (hyperuricemia) is the primary risk factor for gout and is associated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and kidney stones.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | µmol/l (mg/dl) |
| Reference Range | Women: 150–350 µmol/l (2.5–5.9 mg/dl) | Men: 200–420 µmol/l (3.4–7.0 mg/dl) |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
Conversion: 1 mg/dl = 59.5 µmol/l. US labs report in mg/dl (Women 2.0–7.0, Men 3.4–7.2 mg/dl).
↓ What a low value means
Very low uric acid can occur with molybdenum cofactor deficiency (very rare), Fanconi syndrome (renal tubular defect), SIADH, or xanthinuria. Uric acid also has antioxidant properties extracellularly — very low levels are controversially associated with increased Parkinson's risk.
↑ What a high value means
Hyperuricemia (> 420 µmol/l / > 7 mg/dl) increases risk of gout attacks (urate crystal arthritis), urolithiasis (uric acid stones), chronic nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and fructose-rich diet.
✓ What can influence this value
The uric acid value is influenced by purine-rich foods (organ meats, red meat, shellfish and seafood, beer), fructose from sweetened drinks (fructose increases uric acid production), alcohol, overweight, and kidney function. Sufficient fluid intake, coffee, and vitamin C are associated with increased renal excretion. Diuretics, fasting, and diseases with high cell turnover can also change the value. The assessment is made by the treating doctor.
When to test
For gout history, joint pain, kidney stones, metabolic syndrome, kidney insufficiency, or medication review (diuretics, low-dose aspirin, cyclosporine raise uric acid). The test is usually done fasting.
Frequently asked questions
Does a ketogenic diet change uric acid levels? +
Short-term, a ketogenic diet can raise uric acid because ketone bodies compete with uric acid for renal excretion. Longer term, uric acid often normalizes through weight loss and fructose reduction.
What is the difference between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout? +
Asymptomatic hyperuricemia: elevated uric acid (> 420 µmol/l) without symptoms. Gout: episodic, acute inflammatory arthritis from urate crystal deposits in joints. Whether and how treatment is given is decided by your doctor.
How do beer and fruit juice affect uric acid? +
Beer contains purines (yeast) and raises uric acid through two mechanisms. Fruit juices (apple, orange, grape) with high fructose content raise uric acid through fructose-dependent ATP degradation. Alcohol also reduces renal uric acid excretion. Both can raise the value; sugar-sweetened beverages (HFCS) are considered the strongest dietary risk factor for hyperuricemia.
Does uric acid have any beneficial properties? +
Yes. Uric acid is a potent antioxidant extracellularly and contributes a large share of plasma antioxidant capacity. Epidemiological studies associate low uric acid with increased Parkinson's and MS risk. This explains the paradox: uric acid is pathogenic (gout) yet low levels show potentially increased neurodegenerative risk.
Uric Acid
Sources
Last updated: May 28, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.