Can people with high uric acid eat shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms?

In general, people with high uric acid levels can consume moderate amounts of wood ear mushrooms (black fungus), but should avoid shiitake mushrooms as much as possible. The specific reasons are as follows:

Wood ear mushrooms are considered low-purine foods, with relatively low purine content that does not exacerbate elevated uric acid levels. They are also rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility and increases bowel movements, thereby aiding in the excretion of uric acid. Therefore, individuals with high uric acid can moderately include wood ear mushrooms in their diet. However, attention should be paid to cooking methods—avoid frying, grilling, or other high-fat, high-salt, high-purine preparation techniques.

Shiitake mushrooms contain relatively high levels of purines, especially dried shiitake mushrooms, which have even higher purine content. Purine levels in dried shiitake mushrooms may reach up to 214 mg per 100 grams, classifying them as high-purine foods. Thus, individuals with high uric acid should avoid consuming shiitake mushrooms to prevent increased serum uric acid levels, worsening of their condition, or triggering acute gout attacks.

Patients with high uric acid should also limit intake of other high-purine foods such as animal offal and seafood, and should follow dietary advice and treatment plans provided by their physicians.