Uric Acid Levels

Uric acid is an organic compound comprising carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen. It the final oxidation product of purine (high protein) breakdown during digestion. We produce very small quantities of uric acid which serves as strong antioxidants and a strong reducing substance. Normal levels of uric acid should fall between 3.0 - 7.0 mg/dL (milligram per deciliter), however, normal depends upon the time an individual gets tested. High uric acid, especially a constant one is a cause for concern, excess serum accumulation of uric acid can lead to a number of health complications.

Uric Acid Levels in Blood
Uric acid is produced from the breakdown of the food one consumes and the body's cells. Excess uric acid is filtered by the kidneys and passed out of the body in urine (the remaining enters the bloodstream). If too much uric acid is being produced or the kidney is not able to filter it out sufficiently, uric acid levels in blood increases. The condition of excessive concentration of uric acid in the blood is known as hyperuricemia. There are many factors that contribute to high uric acid levels in the blood, such as certain drugs and medication, a very high purine (protein) diet, thyroid problems, excessive alcohol consumption, Hodgkin's disease, genetics, obesity, high blood pressure, etc. Read about the foods high in uric acid.

Uric Acid Levels and Gout
As the concentration of uric acid increases in the blood, it causes solid crystals to form within joints. This extremely painful condition is known as gout. When its left untreated, the crystals can harden and build up into hard lumpy deposits called tophi in the joints and skin. In some instances, incidence of gout are due to kidney stones or kidney failure. These large crystals lumps are mostly found around the ankles, feet, large toe, ears and eyes. One can even feel them under the skin where they are formed.

Uric Acid Levels in Preeclampsia
High uric acid levels in pregnancy is a cause of concern for both, the mother and the unborn. High uric acids levels during pregnancy is known as a condition Preeclampsia, where high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine is highly evident after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This condition calls for immediate treatment. Research has proven that women with gestational hypertension combined with hyperuricemia were more disposed to have shorter a gestation period, smaller birth weight and an increased risk of preterm or premature labor.

Uric Acid Levels in Urine
As uric acid gets filtered out by the kidneys, it passes in the urine and some small amounts in the stool too. When the concentration of uric acid in the blood increases, the levels of uric acid in the urine will decrease. As mentioned earlier, excess uric acid will cause crystals to be deposited in the joints, leading to a form of arthritis called gout. Read more about uric acid reduction diet.

For more information on treating gout, you can also refer to gout treatment diet.

Uric acid levels need to checked to find the cause of high levels and determine the course and duration of the treatment. Having a high uric acid level does not necessarily mean that you will have only gout, it could also be a symptom of a kidney problem. Uric acid is mostly measured in urine and blood.