Does red wine contain purines?
Disease description:
I enjoy drinking red wine and have it several times a week. My wife says red wine contains purines. I would like to ask, does red wine contain purines?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Red wine contains relatively low levels of purines. Its composition is complex and subtle, including various substances beneficial to human health, such as polyphenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals. Moderate consumption of red wine is considered to have certain cardiovascular benefits.
Purines are naturally occurring substances in living organisms. Some foods, such as seafood, red meat, and certain organ meats, contain high levels of purines. A high-purine diet has been linked to health problems such as gout. Although red wine does not contain high levels of purines, this does not mean that individuals with gout can consume it without restriction. Alcohol itself can elevate uric acid levels through other mechanisms, thereby increasing the risk of gout attacks. For individuals who already exhibit symptoms of gout or who need to strictly control their purine intake, moderate consumption or consultation with a physician is still advised.
The alcohol content in red wine can accelerate purine synthesis and may affect the excretion of uric acid. Therefore, the consumption of red wine needs to be moderated for patients with gout or hyperuricemia.
