A low-purine diet is often prescribed for individuals with gout and Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder
that occurs in 1/100,000 people). People with diabetic nephropathy need to restrict proteins,
a regimen that includes, but is not limited to, the restrictions imposed by a low-purine
diet.
Why do people follow this diet?
In people who have gout, uric acid production in the body is increased while its
elimination is reduced. The excess uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, is deposited in the
small joints or soft tissues, and causes symptoms that resemble arthritis. Purine is a
compound that is mainly found in animal protein and is metabolized to uric acid in the body. A
high-purine diet, obesity, regular alcohol
consumption, and diuretic therapy can all
contribute to elevated uric acid levels in individuals with gout. Preliminary research
suggests that insulin resistance may also play a role in the development of gout. A low-purine
diet and medications—such as non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids,
and allopurinol—are commonly used to
treat gout. An effective diet is important to avoid or reduce complications and lessen the
expense of drug treatment. Restricting calorie intake and alcohol consumption, and losing
weight (if overweight), can also reduce uric acid levels. It is also important to drink plenty
of fluids to increase uric acid excretion from the body. Alternative sources of protein should
be included in a low-purine diet.
What do I need to avoid?
To avoid purine ask about ingredients at restaurants and others’ homes, and read food
labels. The following list is not complete. Consult with a healthcare professional before
making any significant changes to your diet.
The following foods have very high purine levels, and should
be avoided completely:
- Anchovies
- Bouillon
- Brains
- Broth
- Consommé
- Dried legumes
- Goose
- Gravy
- Heart
- Herring
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Mackerel
- Meat extracts
- Mincement
- Mussels
- Partridge
- Roe
- Sardines
- Scallops
- Shrimp
- Sweetbreads
- Yeast (baker’s and brewer’s)
- Yeast extracts (e.g., Marmite, Vegemite)
These foods have high purine levels
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Poultry
- Meat (except those with very high purine
content, noted above, or those with moderately high purine levels, noted below)
These foods have moderately high purine levels
Are there any groups or books?
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin
Diseases
www.nih.gov/niams/
Arthritis Foundation
www.arthritis.org
The Purine Metabolic Patients Association
www.pumpa.org
Bibliography
Dessein PH, Shipton EA, Stanwix AE, et al. Beneficial effects of
weight loss associated with moderate calorie/carbohydrate restriction, and increased
proportional intake of protein and unsaturated fat on serum urate and lipoprotein levels in
gout: a pilot study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2000;59:539–43.
Emmerson BT. The management of gout. N Engl J Med
1996;334:445–51.
Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S, eds. Krause’s Food, Nutrition and
Diet Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000.
www.marinurology.com/articles/calculi/foods/purines.htm
Wolfram G. [Diet therapy in gout]. Ther Umsch
1995;52:524–7.