Can people with gout eat laver (seaweed)?
Disease description:
My father was recently diagnosed with gout. During busy periods, he prefers to make and drink laver soup. I would like to ask, is it okay for him to eat laver during a gout flare-up?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Gout patients are not advised to consume laver, primarily because laver is a high-purine food. The purine content of laver can exceed 200 mg per 100 grams, and in some cases, such as with dried laver, the purine content may reach 400-500 mg. Purines are metabolized into uric acid in the body, and gout is caused by hyperuricemia due to reduced excretion or increased production of uric acid. Therefore, consuming high-purine foods like laver can elevate uric acid levels in the body, thereby triggering or worsening gout symptoms such as joint pain and swelling. Especially during an acute gout attack, patients should strictly avoid eating high-purine foods like laver to prevent exacerbation of the condition. Specific dietary adjustments should be made according to the patient's individual circumstances and medical advice.
