Uric acid is a substance naturally produced by the body that can build up in the joints or kidneys when present in excess in the blood. This buildup can lead to symptoms such as abdominal or joint pain, blood in the urine, redness, or swelling in the joints.
Changes in uric acid levels may result from kidney problems, excessive protein intake, malnutrition, certain medications, or liver dysfunction.
If abnormal uric acid levels are suspected, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner. Treatment to control uric acid in the blood depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications to lower uric acid levels in some cases.
Uric acid test
The uric acid test is recommended to:
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Help assess kidney function;
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Evaluate the body’s hydration status;
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Monitor gout treatment;
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Identify conditions such as rhabdomyolysis and tumor lysis syndrome;
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Monitor treatment with certain medications, such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide.
This test is mainly indicated to determine whether uric acid levels are high. Although elevated uric acid does not usually cause symptoms in most people, it is associated with complications such as gout and kidney stones.
Reference values
Normal uric acid levels in the blood range from 3.7 to 8.0 mg/dL in men over 16 years old and 2.7 to 6.1 mg/dL in women over 13 years old.
In addition to varying by age and sex, reference ranges may differ slightly depending on the lab performing the test. Therefore, to determine whether uric acid levels are high or low, it is best to consult a doctor or primary care provider.
Main symptoms
High uric acid symptoms are more common in cases of gout or kidney stones and may include:
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Episodes of acute pain in the abdomen or joints;
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Redness and swelling in the joints;
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Nausea and vomiting.
Blood in the urine may also be noted in some cases.
Possible causes
High uric acid levels can be caused by:
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Excessive consumption of red meat, fish, or shellfish, as well as alcoholic beverages and sodas;
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Dehydration;
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Intense physical exercise;
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Use of certain medications, such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide;
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Kidney dysfunction;
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Chemotherapy;
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Tumors;
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Metabolic disorders that lead to abnormal uric acid production.
High uric acid is also more common in people with obesity, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease.
High uric acid in pregnancy
High uric acid during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester or after the 22nd week of gestation, may increase the risk of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by elevated blood pressure and a higher risk of pregnancy loss.
Low uric acid
Low uric acid levels may be caused by:
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Low protein intake;
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Use of medications such as corticosteroids, allopurinol, and high doses of aspirin;
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Liver dysfunction;
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Malnutrition;
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Kidney conditions such as Fanconi syndrome.
Although low uric acid may indicate an underlying health condition in some people, it generally does not cause symptoms, unlike high uric acid.
Treatment options
Treatment for high uric acid depends on the underlying cause. In cases of gout or kidney stones, medications such as allopurinol and probenecid may be prescribed to reduce uric acid production or increase its elimination through the urine.
To help lower uric acid levels, a doctor may also recommend reducing intake of foods such as red meat, fish, and alcoholic beverages, which are high in purines.
It is also important to avoid consuming too much fructose, a type of sugar found in fruit and used in sodas, cookies, and other processed foods, as it can increase uric acid levels.
Home remedies
A natural remedy that can complement medical treatment for high uric acid is beet and carrot juice, which contains nutrients that may help the body eliminate excess uric acid.