Uric Acid: Hanging in a Fine Balance?

One of the most abundant and complicated antioxidants found in our bodies is uric acid. It has the highest concentration of any antioxidant found in blood cells, is hydrophilic (water soluble) and it accounts for more than half of all antioxidant activity. However, despite its prevalence in the body and its battle against damaging free radicals, too much or too little uric acid can also cause health problems for many people.

The main purpose of uric acid is the breakdown of protein compounds called purines. When too much uric acid is found in the body, it is often a marker for oxidative stress and the production of high levels of free radicals -- either there are too many purines in the body, or you are unable to expel the excess uric acid following high purine levels.

Too much uric acid has been shown to cause health problems such as:

Patients suffering from gout or with high uric acid levels are often recommended to adopt a special uric acid diet in order to help naturally bring down their levels and manage their symptoms.

Low levels of uric acid, while usually not considered to be as hazardous to health, have been shown to have a possible link to severe multiple sclerosis (MS patients consistently show low levels of this antioxidant), liver, and kidney disease.

If you suspect you may have unbalanced uric acid levels or have questions or concerns, speak with your health care provider. He or she will be able to provide you with more information, as well as schedule you for a uric acid test to determine the severity of your condition.