Uric acid: the basics

 

Uric acid is a waste product found in the blood. It is formed when the body breaks down purine chemicals. The majority of uric acid that dissolves in the blood passes through the kidneys and exits the body in urine.

 

Food and drinks high in purines also increase the level of uric acid. These include:

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• Seafood (especially salmon, shrimp, lobster and sardines)

• Red meat

• Organ meats like liver

• Food and drinks with high fructose corn syrup, and alcohol (especially beer, including non-alcoholic beer)

 

If too much uric acid stays in the body, a condition called hyperuricemia will occur.

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