What foods should not be consumed with high uric acid levels?

Jul 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Tiesheng

Introduction

There is no specific list of foods that people without high uric acid should avoid. However, individuals with high uric acid levels generally are advised not to eat foods such as duck liver, anchovies, beef bone marrow, hot pot meatballs, honey, and similar items. Duck liver is an animal offal with a very high purine content. After consumption, purines are metabolized into large amounts of uric acid, which can rapidly elevate uric acid levels in the body, worsen uric acid accumulation, and be detrimental to uric acid control.

Generally speaking, there is no specific food that people without high uric acid levels should avoid. However, individuals with elevated uric acid levels are usually advised not to eat foods such as duck liver, anchovies, beef bone marrow, hot pot meatballs, or honey. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Duck liver: As an animal organ meat, duck liver contains very high levels of purines. After consumption and metabolism, it can produce large amounts of uric acid, causing a sharp increase in blood uric acid levels, worsening uric acid accumulation, and making it harder to control uric acid levels.

2. Anchovies: As small deep-sea fish, anchovies contain much higher levels of purines than regular seafood. Consumption significantly increases uric acid production, exceeding the excretion capacity of the kidneys, which can easily lead to uric acid crystal deposition and increase the risk of gout attacks.

3. Beef bone marrow: Rich in fat and purines, during metabolism it not only produces large amounts of uric acid but also, due to its high fat content, affects metabolic efficiency, further hindering uric acid excretion and causing persistent elevation of blood uric acid levels.

4. Hot pot meatballs: These are often made from processed meats and offal, which naturally contain high levels of purines. Additionally, high-purine additives may be included during processing. Consumption can elevate uric acid levels in the body, negatively affecting uric acid control.

5. Honey: Although a natural food, honey has a very high sugar content. The fructose it contains accelerates uric acid production during metabolism while simultaneously inhibiting uric acid excretion. Long-term excessive consumption can lead to uric acid accumulation, worsening the problem of high uric acid levels.

People with high uric acid should choose low-purine ingredients such as wax gourd, radish, and oats. During cooking, use minimal oil and sauces, avoid overeating, and maintain regular physical activity to help regulate uric acid levels.

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Is it good for women to eat duck gizzards?

In general, whether eating duck gizzard is beneficial for women depends on the amount consumed, cooking method, and individual health conditions. Moderate consumption, prepared with light cooking methods and in the absence of conditions such as high uric acid levels, can be beneficial to health. However, excessive intake, especially when fried or stir-fried with heavy oil, or in the presence of related health issues, may increase the body's burden. It is recommended that women limit their portion of duck gizzard to 50–80 grams per serving.