Uric acid is the end product of purine breakdown (substances from cell DNA and some foods). It is produced continuously and excreted mainly by the kidneys.
When there is too much of it (hyperuricemia), it can crystallize in the joints, causing gout. But a high uric acid is also a metabolic signal, linked to blood pressure and the kidneys.
Reference ranges
Approximate reference for adults:
| Men | 210 – 420 µmol/L |
| Women | 150 – 350 µmol/L |
| Gout risk rises | above ~ 360–420 µmol/L |
What an elevated level means
Hyperuricemia arises when too much uric acid is produced or the kidneys excrete it less well.
Diet: red meat, offal, seafood, alcohol (especially beer), sugary drinks with fructose.
Metabolism: excess weight, insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome.
Kidneys and medications: reduced kidney function, diuretics.
Complications: gout (painful joint attacks) and kidney stones.
What a low level means
A low uric acid is rare and usually not dangerous. It can occur with some hereditary traits, certain medications and pregnancy.
How the test is done
Venous blood, fasting.
For 2–3 days before the test do not overindulge in meat, seafood and alcohol — they inflate the result. Do not test during an acute gout attack: the level may be deceptively normal at that moment.
What affects the value
- Meat, offal, seafood — rich in purines, they raise the level.
- Alcohol and fructose — sugary drinks and beer raise it markedly.
- Excess weight and insulin resistance — frequent companions of hyperuricemia.
- Kidney function — with reduced function the acid is excreted less well.
- Diuretics — raise the level.
Calculate using this marker
Calculators where Uric acid is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
Uric acid is high but my joints don't hurt — is it dangerous?
Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is common and does not always progress to gout. But it is a metabolic signal: it is linked to excess weight, blood pressure and kidney risk. It is worth reviewing diet and weight even if the joints are not yet bothering you.
Which foods raise uric acid?
Red meat and offal, seafood, alcohol (especially beer) and sugary drinks with fructose. Water, dairy, vegetables and weight loss lower the risk.
Are uric acid and the metabolic syndrome linked?
Yes. A high uric acid often goes hand in hand with insulin resistance, excess weight and high triglycerides. You can assess your metabolic status in our calculators.