Uric Acid

Uric acid is a heterocyclic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen. It is represented by the formula C5H4N4O3. Uric acid also forms ions and salts known as urates and acid urates, for example ammonium acid urate. Uric acid formed by metabolic breakdown of purine nucleotides. It is a normal component of urine, but if uric acid found in blood in high concentration, it can lead to gout and other diseases like diabetes and kidney stones.

Uric Acid Test

The Uric Acid Test or serum uric acid measurements, is a test conducted to determine the amount of uric acid present in body. This test also helps in determining the capability of a body to produce and remove uric acid. The body on break produces uric acid down of food containing purine, an organic compound. Some of food or beverages containing high purine contents are:

1. Beer
2. Wine
3. Dried beans
4. Liver
5. Mackerel
6. Anchovies

Purines are also created naturally in the body through cell breakdown. Usually, uric acid is dissolved in blood, filtered by kidneys and flushed in urine. In some cases, the body produces excess of uric acid or is not able to filter out enough of it. Hyperuricemia is a disease caused when uric acid is in excess quantity than required. High levels of uric acid also causes disease called gout, which causes swelling in joints. Increase in cell deaths also leads to accumulation of uric acid in the body.

It is also possible that a person has a too little level of uric acid in body, which depicts Fanconi syndrome. Fanconi syndrome is a condition where the kidney tubules prevent the absorption of substances like glucose and uric acid. These substances are then expelled in urine.

This test is usually conducted to diagnose or monitor -

• People with gout

• People under chemotherapy

• People undergoing any radiation treatment

• Kidney function after some injury

• Cause of kidney stones

• Kidney disorders

Uric acid levels, however, may differ gender to gender. Also, values may vary at different labs. Usually, for women, it is 2.5-7 mg/dl and in men normal values are 4-8 mg/dl.

Factors that contribute to high levels of uric acid :

• Diet with high levels of purine
• Excess consumption of alcohol
• Renal deficiency
• Obesity
• Underactive thyroid
• Genetics
• Metabolic conditions
• Chemotherapy treatment

Precautions

• Exercising

• Fasting

• Avoid Crash dieting