Low uric acid refers to a condition in which there are lower than normal levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a product of purine metabolism and is normally filtered and excreted by the kidneys. Low uric acid levels usually occur for two main reasons. The first may be due to low purine intake or low production of purines. This condition may occur in individuals who consume a diet low in purines or in those who have genetic factors that affect purine production. Second, low uric acid may be the result of health problems such as certain medications (for example, drugs used to treat gout, such as allopurinol), kidney disease, or certain rare metabolic disorders.
Uric acid is a waste product that occurs as a result of the decomposition of a type of chemical compound called purine, which occurs in the body’s metabolism. Purines are an important source of energy for the body and also form components of some genetic material. Uric acid is produced as a result of the metabolism of purines. Normally, uric acid is filtered by the kidneys along with excess uric acid waste products in the blood and eliminated from the body through urine. This process ensures that uric acid levels are kept at a healthy level.
What causes low uric acid?
Low uric acid is a condition in which the level of uric acid in the blood is below normal. Uric acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is formed by the breakdown of proteins and is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. The causes of low uric acid are:
- Diet poor in purines: Purines are the main components of uric acid. A diet low in purines can reduce uric acid production.
- Kidney disease: The kidneys are responsible for excreting uric acid. Kidney disease can reduce the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid.
- Some medications: Some medications can reduce the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid.
- Liver disease: The liver plays a role in the metabolism of uric acid. Liver disease can lower uric acid levels.
- Some hereditary diseases: Some hereditary diseases can lower uric acid levels.
Low uric acid usually does not cause any symptoms. However, it may show some symptoms. Symptoms of low uric acid in the blood:
- Weakness
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- muscle pain
- Headache
Diagnosis of low uric acid is made with a blood test. The blood test measures the level of uric acid in the blood. Treatment for low uric acid depends on the underlying cause.
Is low uric acid dangerous?
Low uric acid is generally not a serious health problem. However, in some cases, having uric acid levels that are too low can lead to serious complications. These complications include:
- Anemia: Uric acid plays a role in the production of red blood cells. When uric acid levels are too low, the production of red blood cells may decrease. This can lead to anemia.
- Weakening of the immune system: Uric acid is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. When uric acid levels are too low, the immune system may be weakened. This may increase the risk of contracting infections.
- Osteoclasis: Uric acid helps keep bones strong. When uric acid levels are too low, bones can weaken. This may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- Muscle loss: Uric acid is necessary for muscle growth and repair. When uric acid levels are too low, muscles can weaken and lead to muscle wasting.
People with low uric acid should consult a doctor to prevent the above complications. Depending on the underlying cause, the doctor may recommend treatments to help raise uric acid levels. Low uric acid can be dangerous in the following situations:
- If the uric acid level is very low: When the uric acid level is too low, the complications mentioned above may occur.
- If you have an underlying health condition that causes low uric acid: If you have an underlying health condition that causes low uric acid, this condition can also be dangerous. For example, low uric acid in people with kidney disease can lead to kidney failure.
How much uric acid is dangerous?
Uric acid is a substance found in the blood and can be excreted by the kidneys. When uric acid levels are above 7.0 mg/dL in men and 6.0 mg/dL in women, it is called “hyperuricemia”. Hyperuricemia can crystallize in the joints, kidneys, and other tissues. This can cause pain, inflammation and other symptoms. The higher the uric acid levels, the greater the risk. When uric acid levels are above 10 mg/dL, the risk of serious health problems such as kidney stones, gout, and chronic kidney disease increases.
How to cure low uric acid?
Low uric acid can usually be controlled with dietary and lifestyle changes. However, in some cases, drug treatment may be required. Diet and lifestyle changes can be made to treat low uric acid in the blood:
- Eating foods rich in purines: Purines are the main components of uric acid. To raise uric acid levels, it may be helpful to eat foods rich in purines. Foods rich in purines include red meat, seafood, poultry, legumes and kidneys.
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water can help increase the excretion of uric acid from the kidneys.
- Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol can lower uric acid levels.
- Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help increase uric acid levels.
- Controlling your weight: Being overweight or obese can lower uric acid levels.
Apart from changing the nutritional style, drug therapy can be applied to treat low uric acid in the blood. There are some medications that can help raise uric acid levels. Some specific recommendations for treating low blood uric acid include:
- Make sure to drink 1.5-2 liters of water daily.
- Consume purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, poultry, legumes and kidneys 2-3 times a week.
- Avoid or consume alcohol in a limited manner.
- Exercise regularly.
- Control your weight.
Does mineral water reduce uric acid?
Mineral water can lower uric acid. Mineral water is rich in minerals such as bicarbonate and magnesium. These minerals can help increase the excretion of uric acid from the kidneys. Bicarbonate helps reduce the acidity in urine. This may help remove uric acid from the kidneys more easily. Magnesium can help reduce the absorption of uric acid in the kidneys.
Studies have shown that mineral water can help reduce uric acid levels. For example, one study found that people who consumed 1.5 liters of mineral water per day had lower uric acid levels than those who consumed 1.5 liters of plain water per day. However, how effective mineral water is in reducing uric acid levels may vary depending on the mineral content of mineral water. Mineral waters rich in bicarbonate and magnesium may be more effective in lowering uric acid levels.
People with high uric acid levels can consume mineral water to help lower uric acid levels. However, it is important not to overdo it when consuming mineral water. The minerals found in mineral water may cause some side effects when consumed in high amounts. People with high uric acid levels should consult their doctor before consuming mineral water.