Can people with high uric acid levels eat durian?

Jul 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Introduction
For individuals with high uric acid levels, if their uric acid levels are consistently maintained at target levels and there are no symptoms such as joint pain, it may be acceptable to occasionally consume small amounts of durian. Although durian is not considered a high-purine food, it is high in calories and sugar content, with approximately 28.3 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams of fruit flesh. Consuming small amounts can help supplement vitamins and minerals, while avoiding excessive intake of fructose that may lead to increased uric acid production.

Generally, individuals with high uric acid levels can consume small amounts of durian when their blood uric acid levels are well controlled. However, durian is not recommended when blood uric acid levels are high or during an acute gout attack. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

When individuals with high uric acid levels maintain stable blood uric acid levels over a long period and experience no symptoms such as joint pain, they may occasionally eat small amounts of durian. Although durian is not considered a high-purine food, it is high in calories and sugar content, with approximately 28.3 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams of fruit flesh. Eating small portions can help supplement vitamins and minerals while avoiding excessive fructose intake, which may increase uric acid production. After consumption, intake of other high-sugar foods should be reduced.

If individuals with high uric acid levels continue to have uric acid levels above the target range or are experiencing an acute gout attack, durian should not be consumed. The high sugar content in durian may promote lactic acid accumulation in the body, inhibit uric acid excretion, and during fructose metabolism, significantly consume adenosine triphosphate (ATP), accelerating purine synthesis and thereby increasing blood uric acid levels. During an acute gout attack, the body experiences intense inflammatory reactions, and eating durian may increase metabolic burden, hindering recovery. Therefore, the intake of such high-calorie, high-sugar fruits should be strictly controlled.

Individuals with high uric acid levels should consider their own uric acid levels and medical condition before consuming durian. After eating, it is important to monitor changes in blood uric acid levels, maintain a daily water intake of more than 2000 milliliters to promote uric acid excretion, avoid consuming it with high-purine foods such as seafood, and consult a doctor to adjust dietary plans when necessary.