The concentration of urate in the blood can increase with high alcohol consumption and overweight. High concentration of urate in the blood can cause gout.
Gout is a condition where urate crystals have formed in joints and sometimes in other tissues. The higher the concentration of urate, the easier it is for urate crystals to form. To diagnose gout, one also needs to consider the clinical picture; therefore, an elevated concentration of urate alone is not sufficient. Common symptoms of gout include redness, swelling, and pain in the affected joint. To diagnose gout, joint fluid can also be analyzed to see if it contains urate crystals.
You can reduce the risk of gout by exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and adopting dietary habits that lower blood urate concentration.
Purine-poor foods can keep uric acid levels lower.
Tips for good dietary habits to reduce the risk of gout:
Foods to avoid (purine-rich foods)
A high urate value may be due to conditions such as gout, leukemia, and kidney insufficiency. Urate levels also increase with age. Other factors that can cause an increase in urate levels include low physical activity and unhealthy eating habits.
A low urate value may be due to conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Wilson’s disease, liver damage, and after treatment with Allopurinol.
Women 18–51 years old: 155–350 micromol/L
Women ≥ 51 years old: 155–400 micromol/L
Men ≥ 18 years old: 230–480 micromol/L
Reference values may vary depending on where the analysis is performed and which analysis method is used.
Vital laboratory package Man 50+ includes 36 values and provides you with a comprehensive overview of your health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a man over 50 years old.
Vital laboratory package Woman 50+ includes 39 values and provides senior women with a broad overview of their health. Vital’s doctors have developed this laboratory package based on some of the most important values that affect age-related lifestyle diseases, as well as values that are interesting to monitor specifically for you as a woman over 50 years old.
Urate (uric acid) is a waste product in the body. A high concentration of urate can cause crystal formation in joints, which in turn can lead to gout.
Cystatin C is a small protein formed in the body’s cells, with the task of inhibiting the breakdown of certain proteins. Cystatin C is filtered and excreted by the kidneys, and measurement of cystatin C is therefore used to assess kidney function.
Albumin is produced in the liver and has two important functions: regulating the body’s fluid levels and transporting essential nutrients to the body’s tissues. Reduced levels of albumin can be seen in conditions such as physical inactivity and malnutrition.
Calcium is an essential element for life. Adequate levels of calcium in the blood are essential for good bone strength, functioning muscles, and the nervous system. Sufficient calcium intake should be ensured from an early age and throughout life, as it is an effective way to prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones).
Creatinine value helps assess kidney function.
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) test reflects the kidneys’ ability to cleanse the blood, that is, their ability to remove excess water and waste material from the body.
GT is one of the standard tests used to assess the health of the liver and bile ducts, especially when there is suspicion of alcohol-related health issues. More GT is produced by liver cells when they are under stress, such as in liver diseases or heavy alcohol consumption.
Article updated:
24 June 2024