Why do some people have high uric acid levels even if they don't eat seafood or drink alcohol?

Acid is the final product of purine metabolism in the human body and is mainly excreted through the kidneys. Elevated uric acid levels, known as hyperuricemia, are not entirely determined by the purine content in the diet. Even without consuming seafood or alcohol, excessive production or reduced excretion of uric acid can occur due to synthesis and breakdown of purines within the body. The main causes include the following:

1. Excessive intake of high-purine foods: Although seafood and alcohol are avoided, consuming excessive amounts of other high-purine foods, such as organ meats and red meat, can also lead to elevated uric acid levels.

2. Purine metabolic disorders: Individuals may have genetic abnormalities or enzyme deficiencies related to purine metabolism, preventing the body from properly converting purines into uric acid and excreting it.

3. Medication effects: Certain medications, such as diuretics and aspirin, may interfere with the normal excretion of uric acid.

4. Obesity: Excess body weight increases the body's demand for purines, thereby increasing uric acid production.

5. Impaired renal excretion function: The kidneys are the primary organ for uric acid excretion; if kidney function is impaired or diseases such as glomerulonephritis are present, uric acid excretion may decrease, leading to elevated uric acid levels.