Uric Acid

Overview:

Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which come from cell turnover and from foods including red meat, organ meats, some seafood and beer. The kidneys clear most of it. When levels are high, uric acid can crystallize in joints, causing the sudden severe pain of gout, and it can also form kidney stones. Raised uric acid is associated with high blood pressure, insulin resistance and kidney disease, though the direction of those relationships is not fully settled. During an acute gout attack, uric acid can paradoxically be normal or low.

Categories:

Metabolic, Kidney

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker