Can people with gout eat prawns?
Disease description:
We used to enjoy eating shrimp at home, but my father stopped eating it after being diagnosed with gout recently. I would like to ask whether people with gout should avoid eating prawns?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Gout patients are not advised to consume whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), mainly for the following reasons:
1. High purine content: Whiteleg shrimp is considered a moderate to high-purine food. Gout is a disease caused by purine metabolism disorders that lead to elevated blood uric acid levels. Therefore, consuming high-purine foods can further increase uric acid levels in the body, potentially triggering or worsening gout symptoms.
2. Exacerbation of the condition: After consuming whiteleg shrimp, gout patients may experience increased uric acid levels, which can lead to the deposition of urate crystals in the joints, triggering or aggravating joint inflammation, resulting in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.
3. Dietary management: Patients with gout need to strictly control their diet, avoiding high-purine foods to reduce uric acid production and deposition. Therefore, when selecting foods, it is advisable to choose low-purine, nutrient-rich options such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
