What Causes High Uric Acid Levels?

With the accelerating pace of modern life, many people discover elevated uric acid levels during routine health check-ups at hospitals. What causes high uric acid levels?

Causes of Elevated Uric Acid

Numerous conditions—including kidney disease, gout, hematologic disorders, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and lead poisoning—can lead to increased uric acid levels. Additionally, excessive dietary intake of purine-rich foods (e.g., animal offal, bone marrow, and seafood) significantly contributes to hyperuricemia. Other foods containing moderate amounts of purines—such as fish, shellfish, meat, peas, and spinach—may also elevate uric acid levels. Furthermore, during pregnancy, renal excretion of various substances decreases. While approximately one-third of uric acid is eliminated via the gastrointestinal tract, roughly two-thirds is excreted by the kidneys. Consequently, mildly elevated uric acid levels are relatively common among pregnant women undergoing prenatal examinations.

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder resulting from abnormal purine metabolism, leading to elevated serum uric acid concentrations. Under normal physiological conditions, uric acid production and excretion remain in balance. However, either excessive endogenous production or impaired renal excretion—or both—can cause uric acid accumulation in the body. When serum uric acid concentration exceeds 7 mg/dL, the body’s fluids become more acidic, disrupting normal cellular function. Prolonged neglect may ultimately precipitate gout.

Patients should minimize consumption of high-purine foods—such as organ meats and sardines—and limit intake of high-protein foods and sugary beverages. Increasing daily fluid intake is also recommended to promote uric acid excretion. We hope this information proves helpful!