Can people with gout eat cockles?

Clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) are mollusks rich in protein. Can individuals with gout consume clams?

Can individuals with gout eat clams?

Clams—also known as “huāgé” in Chinese—are generally contraindicated for gout patients. They are classified as high-purine foods, containing as much as 316 mg of purine per 100 g. In clinical practice, foods containing more than 150 mg of purine per 100 g are defined as high-purine. As a bivalve shellfish, clams clearly fall into this high-purine category and must therefore be strictly avoided by individuals with gout.

In addition to clams, other high-purine foods prohibited for gout patients include other shellfish, animal offal (e.g., heart, liver, kidneys, and blood), meat broths—especially hotpot soup—and beer. Also restricted are certain plant-based high-purine foods such as bean sprouts, asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, and kelp. Gout patients should increase their daily fluid intake, aiming for at least 2,000 mL per day to promote effective uric acid excretion.

Acute gout attacks may be treated with glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or colchicine—with colchicine being the first-line agent. Approximately 90% of patients experience significant symptom relief within 48 hours of initiating treatment. Uric acid–lowering therapy is typically initiated two weeks after acute symptoms have resolved. Commonly used uric acid–lowering agents in clinical practice include benzbromarone and allopurinol. We hope this article has been helpful. Wishing you a joyful life and good health!